The Health Department staff witnesses soil logs, soil permeability tests and the installation of sewage disposal systems where buildings are beyond the sewer lines.

Radon Testing

Radon test kits are available for sale at the health department for measuring the level of radon in your home. Free literature is available at the health department regarding radon testing and remediation.

Septic Systems

The attached provides homeowners with details about septic systems including how they work, how they should be maintained and more helpful information.

Battery Recycling

See this presentation for more information on safe battery disposal.

Tick-borne Disease Awareness

Tick-borne diseases are bacterial illnesses that spread to humans through bites from infected ticks. Early signs of tick-borne diseases generally include skin rash, general tiredness, fever and/or chills, headache, stiff neck, muscle aches, joint pain, and dizziness. Visit this link for more information from the New Jersey Department of Health. This document provides some suggestions on how to remain tick-free. See this resource guide for information on tick testing.

Mosquito Management

Reducing breeding habitats is a key strategy to eliminate mosquitos. Female mosquitoes lay eggs on the walls of water-filled containers. To keep those eggs from hatching and becoming adult mosquitoes, residents should do the following:

Empty out water from containers in your yard such as buckets, recycle bins and potted-plant saucers.
Store tires indoors or away from rain. Check for tire recycling programs in your area.
Empty and replace water in bird baths at least once a week. Remember: water plus seven days equals mosquitoes.
Make sure drain pipes slope downward. These drain pipes are dominated by Asian tiger mosquito immatures, and this species is an aggressive day biter.
Maintain your pool. Remove water from tarps and pool covers.

Other steps residents can take include keeping mosquitoes out of the home by installing or repairing window screens and using air conditioning when available; and preventing mosquito bites by using an Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellent with an active ingredient such as DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD). To learn more about Mercer County's Mosquito Control Program, click here.