RESIDENTS REMINDED TO HELP PREVENT
MOSQUITO BREEDING

Get rid of standing water – mosquitoes are still breeding!

NEW CITY, NY - - Though Labor Day Weekend marked the "unofficial end of summer," the weather is still hot and mosquitoes are still breeding! With that in mind, Rockland County Executive Ed Day and County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert remind residents to be sure to get rid of any standing water outside their house to help prevent mosquitoes from breeding on their property.

This message is especially important as this is the time of year when many residents are closing their swimming pools for the season. If there is water on the pool cover, mosquitoes are likely to breed there. It's important to drain the water off the cover or treat this standing water with Mosquito Dunks®, which are available free of charge at the Health Department, Building D, 50 Sanatorium Road in Pomona, Monday to Friday from 9 am to 4 pm, while supplies last.

Many types of mosquitoes, including those that can spread disease, lay their eggs in the smallest amounts of stagnant (still) water, such as in birdbaths, drinking cups, soda cans, bottle caps, unused flowerpots, and discarded tires. "Check your property for any items that can hold water. Get rid of the items or empty the water out and scrub the inside of the item at least once a week," said Dr. Ruppert.

In addition, follow these tips to help prevent mosquitoes from breeding on your property:

• 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 or spa that is not in use, treat this standing water with Mosquito 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.

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

• Cover-up 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 (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD) 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 http://bit.ly/2aXY0E4 or call the Health Department at 845-364-3173. Visit http://rcklnd.us/complaintform to notify the Health Department if you are concerned about a potential mosquito breeding area such as an unmaintained swimming pool or a pile of tires.