Irene’s aftermath sets ideal scene for mosquito boom

As if cleaning up from the damage caused by Hurricane Irene isn’t enough, there’s something else to annoy New Jersey residents.

Floodwaters from the storm are creating ideal conditions for mosquito eggs to hatch–and you’re likely to see more of the pests.

“We have some species that are a nuisance in the state that aren’t necessarily implicated in the transmission of West Nile virus, but we do have what we call the household mosquito which is a permanent water mosquito, and this is the time of year that we are very concerned about West Nile virus,” said Bob Kent, administrator of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Mosquito Control Coordination.

“So we’re going to respond with everything we have,” he said.

Kent said flooding is holding up some mosquito eradication efforts. He suggests that homeowners empty water from outdoor containers to reduce mosquito breeding sites and apply bug spray to help keep them away.