Aedes albopictus (note black and white striped legs and body)
By Paul Goldfinger, MD
Talk about wildlife in the Grove! These creatures are no docile hedgehogs; they are vicious mosquitoes which have been a problem at the shore since 2005. Last year we wrote about them (see links below); our source was Victoria Thompson at the Monmouth County Mosquito Extermination Commission. I love that name because it is so optimistic, but unfortunately, these biters have been sucking our blood relentlessly each summer—and now they have returned—hungrier than ever.
It turns out that these white-striped creatures are more aggressive than the old-time Jersey mosquitoes which used to torture us each summer in north Jersey. Looking back to 1869, the founders of OG were thrilled to find a spot where there were no mosquitoes, and we had none here until recently, but Rev. Stokes and his colleagues did not anticipate an invasion of foreign biter-bugs coming to OG in the 21st century.
We spoke to Sean Healy, who is the resident Asian Tiger tamer at the Commission. It seems that these unpleasant insects were first noticed in 1995, but for unknown reasons their population exploded in 2005 when they became a real nuisance. Since then, the MCMEC has been monitoring the situation.
Earlier this month, large numbers of the nasty critters began to show up in numbers that approximate those that are usually found in late summer. The Commission uses a trapping technique to count them.
In Ocean Grove, the biggest problem is standing water, especially in containers of all sizes, including toys, boats, birdbaths, garbage pail lids and even candy wrappers. Even a few ounces of water in your watering can can cause trouble. The critters breed and hatch their larvae quickly.
As adults they do not venture more than 300 feet from their birthplace, which is an issue in the Grove where we are so close together, so you could share your neighbor’s bugs. You and your neighbors need to “police” your properties for standing water. Even going away for a long weekend can result in trouble, so check your property before you leave. Victoria said that people who live on large lots, such as in Colts Neck, will not have the neighbor problem, so you could move to horse country, but they get big flies.
What else to do? Try citronella candles. Bug zappers don’t work for mosquitoes. There is a new product called “OFF lanterns,” but we have no info as to efficacy and safety. Note that the Commission has no plans to do any spraying for mosquito adults or larvae this summer at the shore. If you want to complain to the McMec (Monmouth County Mosquito Commission” you can call them at 732 542 3630. They are in Tinton Falls and they are itching to hear from you.