Summertime is here which means so are those pesky mosquitoes.

The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH), Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and Agriculture (NJDA) are urging everyone to protect themselves from the blood sucking insects. They say you should wear repellents, avoid wooded areas, and wear light colored clothing.

Residents are also encouraged to report concerns to their county mosquito control agency.

"A bite from a tick or mosquito can cause illnesses that can be severe for some people," said Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. "Individuals can take simple steps to protect themselves and to ensure a healthy and safe summer."

NJDOH says when infected blood-sucking insects - such as mosquitoes and ticks - bite someone, they can spread vector-borne illnesses such as West Nile virus and Lyme disease.

West Nile virus is the most commonly reported mosquito-borne disease in New Jersey, but Eastern Equine encephalitis (EEE) and Jamestown Canyon virus are also of concern, according to NJDOH.