Summer Months Are When Mosquito Control Is Most Important: Health Officials

With the threat of the Zika virus during the summer months, it’s more important than ever to make certain Hudson Valley residents do what they can to prevent mosquito breeding and mosquito bites.

And with the news that the Hudson Valley is within the possible range of the Zika virus, it's even more important to take precautions where mosquitoes are concerned.

The Rockland County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert said that Zika, which is a virus spread mostly by mosquitoes, causes for most people a mild infection with few or no symptoms.

However, it is a serious concern for pregnant women and their partners because it can cause serious birth defects.

Mosquitoes can also spread other diseases, such as West Nile virus.

The insects lay their eggs in or near water, Ruppert said, and can even lay them in small amounts of standing water.

Ruppert said that, as in the past, the health department will be treating mosquito breeding sites such as swamps and storm drains to kill the mosquitoes breeding there.

“However, we need residents to work with us to help fight the Aedes albopictus (Asian Tiger) mosquito since they prefer to breed in any containers that can hold water on your property,” she said, “even in less than one ounce of water (about two tablespoons), such as the cap to a bottle of drinking water.”

Ruppert said the mosquitoes favorite places to lay eggs are backyard containers, such as birdbaths, flowerpots and bases, toys, litter and pet water dishes.

“According to Rutgers University, one child’s toy left outdoors could produce nearly 1.2 million mosquitoes in a single summer,” she said.

Follow these tips to help prevent mosquitoes from breeding on your property:

• Check your property for ANY items that can hold water. Even small items, such as drinking cups or soda cans, can produce mosquitoes. Get rid of the items or empty the water out and scrub the inside of the item at least once a week.
• Drill drain holes in the bottoms of recycling containers, turn over wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use, and remove all discarded tires.
• If you have a swimming pool that is not in use, drain the water off the cover or treat this standing water with Mosquito Dunks®. The dunks are for homeowner swimming pool use ONLY and are available free of charge at the Health Department, Building D, 50 Sanatorium Road in Pomona, Monday - Friday, from 9 am to 4 pm, while supplies last. It is important to know the size of your pool when coming to pick up your dunks. In addition, residents can request free larvicide tablets by calling the New York State Department of Health at 1-888-364-4723.
• Tightly cover water storage containers (buckets, cisterns, rain barrels) so that mosquitoes cannot get inside to lay eggs. For containers without lids, use wire mesh with holes smaller than an adult mosquito.
• Use an outdoor flying insect spray where mosquitoes rest. Mosquitoes rest in dark, humid areas like under patio furniture, or under the carport or garage. When using insecticides, always follow label instructions.
• If you have a septic tank, repair cracks or gaps. Cover open vent or plumbing pipes. Use wire mesh with holes smaller than an adult mosquito.
• Make sure that roof gutters drain properly.
• Clear vegetation and debris from the edges of ponds and remove leaf debris from yards and gardens.

Most mosquitoes are not infected with disease- causing viruses. However, to reduce your risk of being bitten, take the following steps:

• Cover your skin as completely as possible. Wear shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods or when mosquitoes are more active.
• Use mosquito repellent, which should always be applied according to label directions. Do not use repellent on babies younger than 2 months old. Do not use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol on children younger than 3 years old.
• Cover baby carriers with mosquito netting when outside.
• Stay indoors when mosquitoes are more active.
• Close doors and make sure all windows and doors have screens, and that the screens do not have rips, tears or holes.

To learn more, visit the Rockland County Health Department here or call 845-364-3173. To learn more about the Zika virus visit the New York State Department of Health website at here or call the Zika Information line at 1-888-364-4723.