Annual Mosquito Control Treatment of Catch Basins and Storms Drains

PSA FROM THE HEALTH DEPT.

Pomona – The Rockland County Department of Health has begun treatments of catch basins and storm drains this week to prevent mosquitoes from breeding and hatching in the standing water inside of these structures. Work will continue throughout the county into the first week of June.

If you see staff on the roads in county vehicles driving slowly doing these treatments, please be patient. 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.

“The public can also assist the County’s efforts to eliminate mosquitoes by dumping any standing water they find on their property,” said Kathleen M. Henry, R.N., M.A., Acting Commissioner of Health. Even the smallest amount of standing water can serve as a breeding site. Mosquitoes lay eggs in these sites and they hatch within a few days. Follow these tips to help prevent mosquitoes:

– 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 at least once a week.

– 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.

– Drill drain holes in the bottoms of recycling containers, turn over wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use, and remove all discarded tires.

– Make sure that roof gutters drain properly.

– Clear vegetation and debris from the edges of ponds and remove leaf debris from yards and gardens.

– Make sure that all windows and doors have screens and that all screens are in good repair.

A bite from an infected mosquito can spread West Nile Virus, an infection that can cause serious illness, and in some cases, death. Although a person’s chances of getting sick are small, those 50 and older are at highest risk for serious illness. You can reduce the risk of being bitten in the following ways:

– Minimize outdoor activities when mosquitoes are active.

– Wear shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time, or when mosquitoes are most active.

– If you are going to be outdoors when or where mosquitoes are active, consider using an insect repellent. Follow directions on the label.

To learn more, visit http://rocklandgov.com/departments/health/environmental-health/mosquito-control/

  Catch Basins, Mosquito Control Treatment, Rockland County Department of Health, Storms Drains