Health Department Continues to Offer Free Mosquito Dunks to Prevent Breeding & Protect Against Mosquito-Borne Diseases

NEW CITY, NY, - With summer winding down, the Rockland County Department of Health reminds residents that mosquitoes will continue to breed into the fall.

Residents planning to close their swimming pools are encouraged to take steps to prevent mosquito breeding. The Health Department continues to offer FREE Mosquito Dunks® for use in private, closed, or unused swimming pools. These dunks help reduce the number of mosquitoes on residential properties and protect the community from mosquito-borne illnesses.

“Even as the weather cools, mosquitoes remain active in our community,” said Dr. Mary Leahy, Rockland County Commissioner of Health. “By taking simple steps, residents can help reduce mosquito populations and protect themselves and their neighbors from mosquito-borne diseases.”

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. The eggs then hatch into larvae that develop in the water for 7 to 10 days before emerging as adult mosquitoes that fly and bite. Many mosquito species, including those that can spread disease, breed in common household items such as birdbaths, unused flowerpots, discarded tires, bottle caps, as well as in small ponds or other bodies of stagnant water.

The most effective mosquito breeding control starts in private yards:

For Pool Owners:

• Maintain swimming pools and spas. Keep pool covers DRY and free of holes, tears, and/or gaps. For mesh covers, make sure the cover is taut, and the pool water is at a low enough level so as not to push through the mesh after heavy rain.
• If your pool does not have a cover, the pool water must be constantly circulating and disinfected, or otherwise treated with a larvicide, to avoid potential mosquito breeding.
• Mosquitoes love to breed in standing water containing organic debris, such as dead leaves, pine needles, grass clippings, etc. Tarps, unmaintained pool covers, plastic pool toys & liners will collect all of these to create the ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. Drain water off pool covers or treat standing water with Mosquito Dunks®. Dunks are available free of charge at the Health Department in Pomona, Monday–Friday by appointment only, while supplies last. Call 845-364-3173 or email wnv@co.rockland.ny.us to arrange pickup.

For Property Owners:

• Keep your property free of any items that can hold water and debris. Flip over toys, buckets, canoes, wading pools, and wheelbarrows when not in use.
• Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers and remove discarded tires.
• Tightly cover water storage containers or use wire mesh with holes smaller than an adult mosquito.
• Repair cracks or gaps in septic tanks and cover open vents or pipes with wire mesh.
• Ensure gutters drain properly, and remove leaves, debris, and vegetation from ponds, yards, and gardens.

How to Protect Yourself from Mosquito Bites:

• When outdoors, especially between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, wear long, loose-fitting shirts and pants, socks, and closed-toe shoes. Keep in mind that some mosquito species are active during the day as well.
• Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered mosquito repellent, according to label directions. Do not use repellent on babies under 2 months old and avoid oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD) on children under 3 years old.
• Cover baby carriers with mosquito netting when outside.
• Check screens on doors and windows to ensure they are intact.

For more information, call the Rockland County Health Department at 845-364-3173 to learn more or visit the Mosquito Control webpage. For more information, visit the New York State Health Department West Nile Virus webpage.

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