Summer is still here, and so are mosquitoes. The Rockland County Department of Health reminds residents that late summer and early fall are important times to protect against mosquito bites and mosquito-borne diseases.

Mosquitoes can carry viruses such as West Nile virus. Residents should continue to protect themselves from bites and remove standing water around their homes.

The Health Department continues to offer FREE Mosquito Dunks® for private, closed, or unused swimming pools. Dunks help stop mosquito larvae from growing and reduce mosquito breeding around homes, helping protect the community from mosquito-borne diseases.

“Simple steps like using insect repellent, wearing long clothing, and removing standing water can help protect you, your family, and your neighbors.” Dr. Mary Leahy, Rockland County Commissioner of Health.

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Within 7 to 10 days, the eggs can hatch and grow into adult mosquitoes that fly and bite. Mosquitoes can even breed in small amounts of water found in birdbaths, flowerpots, discarded tires, bottle caps, small ponds, and other containers around your home. Some of these mosquitoes can spread diseases such as West Nile virus.

Prevent Mosquito Breeding Around Your Home

The best way to reduce mosquitoes starts in your own yard. Residents should take these steps:

How to Protect Yourself from Mosquito Bites:

• Cover up when outdoors. Wear long, loose-fitting shirts and pants, socks, and closed-toe shoes. Mosquitoes are often most active from dusk to dawn, but some species bite during the day.
• Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered mosquito repellent as directed on the label. Do not use repellent on babies younger than 2 months old. Do not use products with oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-methane-diol (PMD) on children younger than 3 years old.
• Use mosquito netting to cover baby carriers outdoors.
• Check window and door screens to make sure they are in good condition and free of holes.

For Pool Owners:

• Keep pools and hot tubs properly maintained. Keep pool covers dry and free of holes, tears, and gaps. If you use a mesh cover, make sure it is tight, and the water level is low enough to prevent rainwater from pooling on top of the cover.
• If your pool does not have a cover, keep the water circulating and properly disinfected. You can also use larvicide to prevent mosquito breeding.
• Remove standing water and debris. Mosquitoes can breed in water that collects leaves, pine needles, and grass clippings. Pool covers, tarps, pool toys, and liners can also collect water, creating breeding sites for mosquitoes.
• Drain water from pool covers after rain. You can also treat standing water with Mosquito Dunks®.
• FREE Mosquito Dunks® are available from the Health Department in Pomona, by appointment, Monday through Friday, while supplies last. Call 845-364-3173 or email [email protected] to arrange a pickup.

For Property Owners:

• Remove or empty anything on your property that can collect water. Turn over toys, buckets, canoes, wading pools, and wheelbarrows when not in use.
• Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers so water can drain. Remove old or discarded tires.
• Keep water storage containers tightly covered. If using wire mesh, make sure the openings are smaller than an adult mosquito.
• Repair cracks or gaps in septic tanks. Cover open vents and pipes with wire mesh.
• Keep gutters clear and make sure they drain properly. Remove leaves, debris, and other materials that can collect water from ponds, yards, and gardens.

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