Most people think of mosquitoes as nothing more than a warm-weather nuisance. A buzzing sound near your ear. An itchy welt on your arm. An annoyance you tolerate at a backyard cookout. But here in Monmouth County, Ocean County, and Middlesex County, mosquitoes are more than a minor inconvenience—they’re a genuine public health concern.
New Jersey is home to 63 species of mosquitoes, and many of them are active from late spring through October. That’s nearly half the year during which you, your family, and your pets are at risk of exposure to serious mosquito-borne illnesses. At Allison Pest Control, we’ve been protecting New Jersey homes and businesses since 1917, and we want our neighbors to understand exactly what’s at stake when mosquito populations go unchecked.
Here’s what you need to know about the diseases mosquitoes can carry right in your own backyard.
Mosquito-Carried Diseases Found in New Jersey
West Nile Virus
West Nile Virus is the most commonly reported mosquito-borne disease in New Jersey. It’s transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected Culex mosquito—the same species that breeds in standing water around your home. Most people infected with West Nile Virus experience no symptoms at all, but roughly 1 in 5 develop fever, headaches, body aches, and fatigue. In rare cases, the virus can lead to serious neurological illness, including encephalitis or meningitis. The elderly and those with weakened immune systems face the greatest risk of severe complications.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)
Eastern Equine Encephalitis, or EEE, is rare—but it’s one of the most dangerous mosquito-borne diseases in the United States. New Jersey has documented EEE cases in both humans and horses, particularly in areas with marshlands and wooded terrain. The fatality rate for severe EEE cases can be as high as 30%, and many survivors are left with lasting neurological damage. The Culiseta melanura mosquito is the primary carrier, though other species can transmit the virus to humans. Cases in New Jersey tend to spike in late summer and early fall.
La Crosse Encephalitis
La Crosse Encephalitis is transmitted primarily by the Eastern Treehole Mosquito (Aedes triseriatus), a species that breeds in tree holes and artificial containers. It predominantly affects children under the age of 16. Symptoms can range from fever and headache to seizures and inflammation of the brain. While fatalities are uncommon, severe cases can result in long-term neurological effects. Given New Jersey’s wooded residential neighborhoods, this is a disease worth taking seriously, especially for families with young children.
Zika Virus
The Zika Virus made international headlines due to its devastating link to microcephaly in newborns when pregnant women become infected. While locally-acquired Zika transmission in New Jersey is currently limited, travel-related cases have been reported in the state. The Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes—both present in New Jersey—are capable of spreading the virus. For pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant, the risk of Zika exposure remains a serious consideration throughout mosquito season.
Jamestown Canyon Virus
Jamestown Canyon Virus is a lesser-known but emerging threat in the northeastern United States, including New Jersey. Transmitted by several mosquito species, it can cause fever, headache, and in more severe cases, neurological complications. The CDC has noted an increase in reported cases in recent years, and New Jersey health officials continue to monitor activity across the state.
Dog Heartworm
Mosquitoes don’t just put people at risk—they threaten your pets too. Dog heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) is transmitted through mosquito bites and can be fatal to dogs if left untreated. Cats can also be affected, though less commonly. Even pets that spend most of their time indoors can be bitten by a mosquito that has made its way into the home. Regular veterinary prevention is important, but reducing mosquito populations around your property adds a critical layer of protection for your animals.
Why Regular Mosquito Control Is the Smartest Defense
Repellents and citronella candles offer limited, temporary relief. They don’t eliminate breeding populations, and they don’t prevent mosquitoes from returning the following day. The only way to meaningfully reduce mosquito activity on your property is through consistent, professional mosquito control treatments.
Mosquitoes breed in as little as a bottle cap of standing water. A birdbath, a clogged gutter, a low spot in your lawn after rain—all of these create conditions where populations can explode within days. By the time you notice a problem, you’re already dealing with hundreds or thousands of mosquitoes on your property.
Professional mosquito control targets both adult mosquitoes and their breeding environments. Scheduled treatments throughout the season keep populations suppressed, reducing your risk of exposure to the diseases listed above. For homeowners in Monmouth County, Ocean County, and Middlesex County, where conditions are ideal for mosquito breeding from May through October, a seasonal treatment program is the most reliable way to protect your family and property.
Protect Your Home with Allison Pest Control
At Allison Pest Control, we’ve been keeping New Jersey homes and families safe from pests for over 100 years. As your trusted mosquito exterminator and NJ pest control experts, we offer proven mosquito control programs designed for residential properties across Monmouth, Ocean, and Middlesex counties.
Not sure what pests you’re dealing with? Take advantage of our free pest identification inspection. One of our licensed technicians will assess your property, identify problem areas, and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your needs—at no cost to you.
We also offer Home Protection Plans that cover a full range of pests year-round, so you’re never caught off guard when the season changes. Give us a call today or visit allisonpestcontrol.com to schedule your free inspection. Your local exterminator near me has been your neighbor since 1917—and we’re here to keep it that way.
