Rockland County Annual Mosquito Control Treatment Gets Underway

NEW CITY, NY — You might notice workers spending extra time around storm drains in the county — it's for a good reason.

The Rockland County Department of Health announced that it will be treating catch basins and storm drains throughout the county to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in standing water, between May 6 and early June.

"Our annual mosquito control treatments to catch basins and storm drains help to control the mosquito population and protect the community from diseases mosquitoes can carry, like West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)," said Amy Isenberg, Environmental Health Specialist, Mosquito Program Coordinator.

Residents are asked to be patient if they see health department staff on the roads driving slowly in county vehicles applying these treatments. They are also asked to avoid parking over storm drains so that employees can easily access the catch basins.

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, and the eggs hatch into larvae that develop in the water for 7 to 10 days before emerging as adult mosquitoes that fly and bite.

Residents should therefore regularly check their properties for any items that can hold standing water, such as plant saucers, dog bowls, and birdbaths, and replace them with fresh water daily. Any objects around the yard that collect water should be removed. Anything that is kept outside, such as kids' toys, buckets, wading pools, canoes, and wheelbarrows, should be flipped over when not used to prevent them from collecting any water.

The Health Department is also offering the following free mosquito control products to help county residents reduce the number of mosquitoes on their property:

• Mosquito Dunks are available for pickup at the Robert L. Yeager Health Complex, located at 50 Sanatorium Road in Pomona. These are small, donut-shaped objects that float on standing water and release bacteria that kill mosquitoes before they can become flying, biting adults, for use in closed or unused private swimming pools and spas. Dunks must be ordered in advance by calling 845-364-3173 or e-mailing this address to arrange a date and time for pickup, while supplies last.
• Fathead minnows are available for a one-day-only giveaway on Wednesday, May 8, from 4:30 p.m. - 6 p.m. at the Robert L. Yeager Health Complex, located at 50 Sanatorium Road in Pomona. Fathead minnows are small fish that eat mosquito larvae before they become flying, biting adults, and can be placed in unused swimming pools, ornamental ponds, and other similar areas that have a minimum of eight inches of water. You can reserve the minnows online, e-mail this address to receive a printable order form, or call 845-364-3173.

Find out more information by calling the Health Department at 845-364-3173 or by visiting the Mosquito Control webpage.