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Overview & Structure

Overview

The Morris County Mosquito Extermination Commission is a comprehensive, modern, integrated mosquito control program. We employ a variety of environmentally sound techniques to reduce the annoyance and threat of disease caused by this important insect.

This web site provides information on our operating procedures, including up to date information on Commission activities. Please be assured that the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders takes the work of the Commission seriously and funds a program that provides a high level of protection from mosquitoes for the residents of Morris County.

Operating Philosophy

The Morris County Mosquito Commission, founded in 1928, has the goal of reducing the number of nuisance and disease transmitting mosquitoes within the County. The Commission employs a number of techniques to provide this service to residents with minimal impact on the environment. The program conducts extensive monitoring (mosquito surveillance) to determine the number and types (species) of mosquitoes present before any work is carried out.

A progressive system of control tactics are employed to reduce mosquito numbers. Water Management decreases the time surface water is present so that larval (immature) mosquitoes cannot complete their development. If larvae are found, they are controlled with biorational products (biological agents specific to mosquitoes) or mosquitofish where appropriate. The control products are put out by hand equipment, light ground equipment or helicopter. If adult mosquitoes become abundant despite these other techniques, we may apply insecticides from truck mounted sprayers, at very low rates (½ - 1 ounce per acre). These products are used only as a last resort and break down rapidly after application.

New techniques and monitoring systems are always being tested to improve our operations. Novel disease surveillance methods will be undertaken to watch for West Nile virus, a new disease in the United States that is transmitted by common house mosquito. The employees of the MCMEC will continue working to serve the public with the best possible mosquito control they can offer.

Organization of the Commission

The MCMEC is funded, and the members are appointed, by the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders. There are seven Commissioners, at least three of whom are current or former members or employees of local health boards. Commissioner terms are for three years.

The organizational structure of the MCMEC is shown as follows:

Commission members and key employees are as follows: