Orange County Offers Free Mosquito Dunks To Combat Zika

Free mosquito dunks are being given out a part of Orange County's plan to fight Zika, a mosquito-borne disease. Mosquito dunks release a small amount of bacteria that is toxic to all species of mosquito larvae, but harmless to other living organisms.

“There is virtually no risk of acquiring Zika virus in this region at this time, but these dunks serve as an important preventative measure,” said County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus. “Our Health Department will continue to aggressively monitor the Zika virus and other mosquito-borne diseases. The department has tracked mosquito populations since 2000 for West Nile Virus and will continue to do so.”

Residents can pick up their free mosquito dunk at 124 Main Street in Goshen on the third floor from the County’s Environmental Health Division. The dunks are added to standing water for containers that cannot be drained to keep them from becoming mosquito breeding sites and utilize a naturally-occurring type of bacteria to control mosquito larvae.

To reduce the mosquito population around your home and property, take the following steps to reduce or eliminate standing water:

• Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers

• Tightly cover water storage containers to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs in them

• Make sure that your roof gutters drain properly and clean any clogged gutters

• Turn over wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use

• Change the water in birdbaths twice a week

• Remove all discarded tires from your property

• Clean vegetation and debris from the edge of ponds

• Drain water from pool covers

• Remove leaves and debris as they collect on pool covers to reduce breeding areas

• Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.

• Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. Water gardens can become major mosquito producers if they are allowed to stagnate.

Personal mosquito protection is also important:

• Stay indoors when mosquitoes are most active
• Dress in long-sleeved shirts and pants
• Use repellent products registered with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Do not overuse repellent – only apply as much as you need to provide protection
• Read and follow label directions before you use any kind of repellent

Mosquito dunks are also being provided by the New York State Department of Health and are available by calling 1-888-364-472.

For more information please call the Orange County Department of Health at 291-2332.