New City, N.Y. – With summer winding down but mosquito season still lingering, the Rockland County Department of Health is reminding residents to take steps to protect themselves and their neighbors from mosquito-borne illnesses.
The department continues to provide free Mosquito Dunks® for residents to use in private, closed, or unused swimming pools. The dunks help reduce mosquito populations by targeting larvae before they develop into biting adults.
“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.”
Health officials note that mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, which can be found in birdbaths, flowerpots, tires, bottle caps, and other common household items. Eggs typically hatch within a week, creating a constant cycle of breeding if water is left untreated.
The department urges residents, particularly pool owners, to take precautions:
- Keep pool covers dry and intact, and ensure mesh covers remain taut.
- Circulate or disinfect uncovered pools, or treat them with larvicide.
- Drain standing water from pool covers, tarps, toys, and liners.
- Pick up free Mosquito Dunks® at the Health Department in Pomona, Monday through Friday, by appointment only, while supplies last. Residents can call 845-364-3173 or email wnv@co.rockland.ny.us to schedule pickup.
Property owners are also encouraged to clear yards of items that can collect water, drill holes in recycling containers, properly cover water storage containers, and maintain gutters and septic systems.
To protect against bites, officials recommend wearing long sleeves and pants, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, using EPA-registered repellents as directed, and ensuring window and door screens are intact. Parents are advised not to use repellents on infants under two months old, and to avoid certain products on children under three.
For more information, residents can contact the Rockland County Health Department at 845-364-3173 or visit the department’s mosquito control webpage. Additional resources are available through the New York State Health Department’s West Nile Virus webpage.