NEW CITY, NY – The Rockland County Department of Health has announced the commencement of its 2024 Mosquito Control Program, offering free Mosquito Dunks® to residents, aiming to mitigate mosquito populations and enhance public health across the county.
Starting immediately, residents can obtain Mosquito Dunks® at no cost. These dunks are designed to be placed in standing water where mosquitoes breed. They work by releasing a bacteria that is harmless to humans and animals but lethal to mosquito larvae. To receive these mosquito control products, residents must pre-order by contacting the Health Department at 845-364-3173 or by emailing wnv@co.rockland.ny.us. Pickup is available at the Robert L. Yeager Health Complex, located at 50 Sanatorium Road in Pomona, with a pre-arranged appointment.
Furthermore, the department has planned a special one-day giveaway of Fathead minnows, which are known for consuming mosquito larvae. This event will take place on Wednesday, May 8th, from 4:30 to 6:00 PM at the same location. These minnows are particularly useful for large bodies of standing water, such as ornamental ponds or unused pools, and are effective natural predators of mosquito larvae.
Amy Isenberg, the Environmental Health Specialist and Mosquito Program Coordinator, emphasized the importance of community participation in reducing mosquito breeding sites. “We encourage all residents to take advantage of these free resources. Reducing the mosquito population not only decreases the nuisance but also lessens the potential transmission of vector-borne diseases. Remember, effective mosquito control starts in your own backyard,” Isenberg stated.
Residents are advised to measure the dimensions of their closed or unused pools or spas accurately to ensure they receive the appropriate number of Dunks for effective mosquito control. It is crucial to follow the label instructions carefully when using any pesticide products.
For more information about the mosquito control products, detailed instructions for their use, or to keep up with updates from the Mosquito Control Program, please visit the Rockland County Health Department’s Mosquito Control Program webpage.