Rockland County to Start Applying Larvicides

The Rockland County Health Department will begin treating catch basins and storm drains next week to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in the standing water inside.

Work will continue throughout the county through the end of May. If you see staff on the roads in county vehicles driving slowly doing these treatments, please be patient, county officials ask. Also, try to avoid parking over storm drains while county staff are doing the treatment work so that they can access the catch basins more easily.

"Mosquitoes can carry several diseases, including West Nile Virus and dog heartworm. The Asian Tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), which we have in Rockland County, may be able to spread other viruses, including the Zika virus, though this is not certain at this time. Even the smallest amount of standing water can serve as a breeding site for mosquitoes. Mosquitoes lay eggs in these sites and they hatch within a few days," said Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert in a prepared statement.

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®. They contain bacteria that kill mosquitoes in their larval stage in water, before they become flying, biting adults. The dunks 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.
• 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.

To learn more, visit http://rocklandgov.com/departments/health/environmental-health/mosquito-control/or call the Health Department at 364-3173. To learn more about the Zika virus visit the New York State Department of Health website athttp://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/zika_virus/