NEW CITY – Rockland County is beginning its annual treatment of
catch basins and storm drains to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in the
standing water inside those structures.
The treatments will continue through the end of May.
“Mosquitoes can carry several diseases, including West Nile virus
and dog heartworm,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel
Ruppert. “The Asian Tiger mosquito which we have in Rockland County
may be able to spread other viruses, including the Zika virus, though
this is not certain at this time. Even the smallest amount of standing
water can serve as a breeding site for mosquitoes. Mosquitoes lay eggs
in these sites and they hatch within days.”
Tips to help prevent mosquitoes from breeding on your property include:
• Checking for any items that can hold water
• Drill drain holes in the bottoms of recycling containers, turn
over wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use, and remove all discarded
tires
• If you have a swimming pool not in use, drain the water off the
cover
• Tightly cover water storage containers – buckets, cisterns,
rain barrels
• Use an outdoor flying inspect spray where mosquitoes rest
• If you have a septic tank, repair cracks and gaps
• Make sure roof gutters drain properly
• Clear vegetation and debris from the edges of ponds and remove
leaf debris from yards and gardens
