Health Department Announces Annual Mosquito Control Treatment of Catch Basins and Storm Drains

NEW CITY, NY, - The Rockland County Department of Health (RCDOH) announces that it will begin mosquito control treatments in catch basins and storm drains to prevent mosquitoes from breeding there. This work is anticipated to start the week of May 11, 2026, and is expected to take about one month to complete.

"Rockland County treats more than 20,000 catch basins and storm drains, which have the potential to breed mosquitoes. We treat these structures each year to help 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. 

The RCDOH asks drivers and pedestrians to be patient if they see staff performing these treatments. Workers will drive slowly in official County vehicles and stop often. Residents are also asked not to park over storm drains so staff can easily reach them. 

You can help reduce mosquitoes on your property by regularly checking for items that hold standing water, such as ornamental ponds, plant saucers, dog bowls, birdbaths, toys, buckets, wading pools, tarps, and wheelbarrows. Empty these items often, turning them over, or storing them away to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.

The RCDOH also offers free mosquito control products:

• Mosquito Dunks®: These small, donut-shaped products float on the surface of standing water in unused private swimming pools and hot tubs, releasing bacteria that eliminate mosquito larvae before they grow into biting adults. Dunks are available for residents by appointment only for pickup at the Robert L. Yeager Health Complex in Pomona. To order, call 845-364-3173 or email wnv@co.rockland.ny.us. Residents must bring a completed Mosquito Dunk Order Form to their appointment.

• Fathead minnows: These small fish eat mosquito larvae – up to 200 per day. They can be placed in unused swimming pools, ponds, or other water sources with at least eight inches of standing water. The RCDOH will hold a one-day minnow giveaway on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, from 4:30-6:00 pm, at 50 Sanatorium Road, Pomona. Signs will be posted along Sanatorium Road to direct you to the giveaway location. Minnows may only be released in Rockland County. You can reserve online or by calling 845-364-3173. Check the Mosquito Control Program webpage for updates about the minnow giveaway.

For more information, visit the RCDOH’s Mosquito Control webpage or call 845-364-3173.

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