There are more than 60 species of mosquitoes in New Jersey, and the females of most of these species rely on blood from animal hosts – including humans – in order to reproduce, as they need the protein in blood to develop their eggs. The state is reminding the public this summer of the importance of controlling mosquito populations by eliminating standing water that can become breeding grounds for the insect, thereby also decreasing the risk for vector-borne illnesses.

According to the N.J. departments of Environmental Protection, Health and Agriculture, “Frequent and recent wet weather…