Mosquito Control History

The Atlantic County's Mosquito Control program, first organized in 1912, carries on a program of Integrated Pest Management including inspections, biological controls, water management and public education, coordinated with the DEP and health agencies.

Early mosquito control efforts in Atlantic County and other coastal counties involved efforts to drain the salt marsh. This involved installing thousands of feet of drainage ditches. Digging was often done by hand, as illustrated in the 1914 photo, above.

Today, mosquito control uses modern equipment, such as this amphibious rotary excavator. This was provided to Atlantic County by the NJ State Mosquito Control Commission.

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.

A convention of county commissions was held February 20 & 21, 1914 in Atlantic City and there created a permanent organization known as the New Jersey Mosquito Extermination Association. The annual meetings of the Association continue as a forum for New Jersey and national experts and workers to present ideas on funding and efficiency, reporting scientific results, questions and operational successes that could benefit others. The proceedings of these meeting are distributed and referenced worldwide.