Source Reduction

Mosquito control biologists use a technique called open marsh water management. Selectively applying these techniques results in the elimination of salt marsh mosquito breeding sites, a reduction in the use of pesticides, and enhancement of the tidal food chain.

In the photo, Mosquito Control Unit workers are cleaning up an Atlantic County stream of tires and other debris, a primary breeding area for certain species of mosquitoes.

The county's amphibious rotary excavator has returned to the E.B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge to resume an ongoing water management project. This project aids in the elimination of salt marsh mosquito breeding sites without the use of pesticides.

The removal of scrap tires also aids in reducing mosquito breeding grounds. The county has developed a tire amnesty program in cooperation with the Atlantic County Utilities Authority that will provide for the removal and disposal of abandoned tires once a month beginning in June and continuing through the end of the year. Additionally, the county's Adopt A Road volunteers have been encouraged to pick up abandoned tires as part of their roadside clean ups. Forty-six tires were recently removed from county roadways as part of their Earth Day activities.