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

NEW CITY, NY, - The Rockland County Department of Health will be treating catch basins and storm drains to prevent mosquitoes from breeding inside of these structures. This work will be performed throughout the County beginning on or about May 12, 2025, and should be completed by early June.

"Rockland County has about 57,000 catch basins and storm drains, many of which have the potential to breed mosquitoes. We treat these structures annually 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 Department asks drivers and pedestrians to please be patient if they encounter Health Department staff performing these treatments. Staff will be driving slowly in County vehicles and stopping frequently. To assist further, avoid parking over these structures during this time, so that workers can access them more easily. 

Mosquitoes “breed” by laying their eggs in standing (still) water. The eggs hatch into larvae that continue to develop in the standing water for 7 to 10 days before emerging as adult mosquitoes that fly and bite. Residents can help reduce the number of mosquitoes that emerge by regularly checking their property for any items that can hold standing water, such as plant saucers, dog bowls, and birdbaths, and replacing the water regularly. Remove or store items from your property that collect unneeded water. Anything kept outside, such as toys, buckets, wading pools, tarps, and wheelbarrows, should be flipped over or stored away when not in use to prevent them from collecting any water.

The Health Department offers the following free mosquito control products to help County residents reduce the number of mosquitoes on their own property:

• Mosquito Dunks® are available for pickup at the Robert L. Yeager Health Complex, 50 Sanatorium Road in Pomona. Mosquito Dunks® are small, donut-shaped objects that float on standing water and release a natural bacterium that kills mosquitoes before they can become flying, biting adults. Dunks are provided for use in closed or unused private swimming pools and spas. They must be ordered in advance by calling 845-364-3173 or emailing wnv@co.rockland.ny.us to arrange a date and time for pickup, while supplies last.
• Fathead minnows are available for a one-day-only giveaway on Wednesday, May 21, from 4:30-6:00 pm at the Robert L. Yeager Health Complex, 50 Sanatorium Road in Pomona. Fathead minnows are small fish that eat mosquito larvae before they become flying, biting adults. They can be placed in unused swimming pools, ornamental ponds, and other similar areas that have a minimum of 8 inches of water. You can reserve the minnows online or by calling 845-364-3173.

For more information, call the Health Department at 845-364-3173 or visit our Mosquito Control webpage.

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