As temperatures rise across New Jersey, homeowners look forward to backyard barbecues, kids playing outside, and relaxing evenings on the patio. Unfortunately, mosquitoes often show up uninvited — biting, buzzing, and disrupting outdoor life.

Beyond being a nuisance, certain mosquito species found in New Jersey can transmit diseases. Understanding which mosquitoes are common in our area — and how they behave — is an important first step in protecting your family, pets, and outdoor spaces.

🚨 New Jersey Mosquito Activity: Key 2025/2026 Updates

The 2025 mosquito season saw an early start to virus activity, with West Nile Virus (WNV) detected in mosquito pools as early as April. The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) reported a significant number of positive mosquito pools, demonstrating high levels of viral circulation throughout the state, particularly in northeastern counties like Bergen, Middlesex, Union, Essex, and Hudson.

Local Health Alert: In 2025, New Jersey reported 21 human cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) and a case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in a horse in Burlington County. There were also investigations into a rare, possible locally acquired case of Malaria in Morris County, underscoring the need for vigilance against all mosquito-borne threats.

The Most Common Mosquito Species Found in New Jersey

The primary vectors for disease and nuisance in NJ include both native and invasive species:

Aedes albopictus (Asian Tiger Mosquito)

• Traits: Highly aggressive, recognizable by its black-and-white striped legs.
• Habits: A daytime biter that thrives in urban and suburban areas.
• Breeding: Small containers around homes (flower pots, toys, birdbaths, gutters). Because it breeds so close to people, it’s a major concern for families.

Culex pipiens (Northern House Mosquito)

• Traits: One of the most widespread species. Primarily bites in the evening and at night.
• Breeding: Stagnant, often polluted water (storm drains, catch basins, septic systems).
• Key Concern: This is the primary vector of West Nile Virus in the region.

Aedes vexans (Inland Floodwater Mosquito)

• Traits: Erupts in large numbers after heavy rain and flooding, leading to intense, widespread mosquito pressure.
• Habits: Aggressive biter, feeds readily on humans and animals, active at dusk and dawn.
• Impact: While primarily a nuisance, it has been identified as a minor vector for WNV and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in some mosquito pools.

Anopheles quadrimaculatus (Common Malaria Mosquito)

• Traits: Active at dusk and nighttime. Known for its distinct resting posture.
• Breeding: Freshwater habitats like ponds, ditches, and wetlands.
• Key Concern: It is capable of transmitting the parasite that causes malaria, a concern highlighted by the recent possible local case in Morris County.

Coquillettidia perturbans (Eastern Salt Marsh Mosquito)

• Traits: Strong fliers that can travel miles from their breeding sites.
• Breeding: Brackish wetlands and marshland, common in coastal NJ.
• Activity: Most active during dusk and dawn, impacting shore-area neighborhoods.

Full List of Mosquito-Borne Diseases in New Jersey

While West Nile Virus is the most common threat, NJ surveillance monitors several other viruses, some of which pose a severe health risk:

• West Nile Virus (WNV): Spread primarily by Culex mosquitoes. Most common mosquito-borne illness in NJ, with dozens of human cases reported in high-activity years (21 in 2025). Symptoms range from mild fever to severe neuroinvasive disease.
• Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE): A rare but severe, often fatal, illness. EEE was detected in both mosquito pools and an equine case in 2025.
• Jamestown Canyon Virus (JCV): An emerging infection in New Jersey, spread by various floodwater and woodland mosquitoes. Human cases and positive mosquito pools were confirmed in 2025 (e.g., Middlesex County).
• St. Louis Encephalitis (SLE): Transmitted by the same vectors as WNV (Culex species). Still monitored due to historical prevalence.
• La Crosse Virus (LAC): Primarily found in the northwestern US, but positive mosquito pools have been detected in NJ (e.g., Sussex County).
• Zika Virus & Chikungunya Virus: Local outbreaks have not occurred, but these diseases are an ongoing threat due to high travel-associated cases and the presence of the vector species, Asian Tiger Mosquito.
• Malaria: Spread by Anopheles mosquitoes. Previously eradicated, the rare occurrence of possible locally acquired cases (one case investigated in Morris County in 2025) means high vigilance is required.

Natural & Family-Friendly Mosquito Control Tips

Many New Jersey families are looking for ways to reduce mosquitoes without relying on harsh chemical sprays. The most effective defense starts with eliminating breeding habitats:

1. Eliminate Standing Water: This is the single most important step. Mosquitoes can breed in a capful of water. Regularly empty or remove containers, clean clogged gutters, and refresh birdbaths at least twice a week.
2. Reduce Mosquito Resting Habitat: Trim overgrown vegetation, manage shaded areas, and remove leaf litter where mosquitoes rest during the day to avoid the heat.
3. Screen and Seal: Ensure all windows and doors have screens and that they are in good condition to keep nighttime biters like the Northern House Mosquito out of your home.
4. Use Plant-Based Mosquito Control: For yard protection, essential oil–based treatments (like Cedarwood, Peppermint, and Lemongrass) can help repel and reduce mosquito populations while aligning with families seeking a safer alternative to synthetic insecticides.

Why Bite Back Chooses an All-Natural Approach

At Bite Back Tick & Mosquito Control, we understand the need to aggressively control disease vectors while protecting the safety of your family and the environment. We focus on plant-based, essential oil blend treatments paired with a holistic yard process.

Our goal is to reduce mosquito pressure by targeting resting areas and eliminating habitat conditions, helping homeowners enjoy their yards without saturating them with harsh chemicals or unnecessary synthetic treatments.

Get a quote today or call 732-333-3379 to learn more about all-natural mosquito control in New Jersey.