The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is urging homeowners to do their part to help control the state’s mosquito population.

The recent heavy rainfall in the state has caused an excess in the mosquito population. Mosquitoes breed in standing water.

Health officials are asking homeowners to remove water that may collect in items like flower pots, wading pools, bird baths, tires and in toys left outdoors. The water should be removed within a week of the rain, to help limit the amount of time mosquitoes have to reproduce.

Officials say that mosquitoes, in addition to being a nuisance, can carry potentially deadly diseases.

The New Jersey Department of Health just confirmed the state’s first human case of West Nile virus this year. A 74-year-old New Jersey man was identified as the patient. State health officials are waiting on test results in two more possible cases.

State residents are advised to keep their skin covered when outdoors in the early morning and evening. These are the peak biting times for mosquitoes.

Information about mosquitoes and bite prevention can be found on the health department website.