 etc.
- Provided mosquito dunks to 425 homeowners for their pools, and inspected all permitted pools
- Inspected 245 tire storage facilities to make sure that the tires were being stored in a manner to prevent mosquito breeding
- Responded to 100 complaints concerning poorly maintained homeowner swimming pools and container storage, and to 250 complaints concerning mosquito breeding
While your chances of being infected with a disease through a mosquito bite are very small, there are simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of being bitten:
- Check your yard for ANY items that can hold water. Even the smallest amount of standing water can serve as a breeding site. Get rid of the items or empty the water out at least once a week.
- Drill drain holes in the bottoms of recycling containers, turn over wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use, and remove all discarded tires.
- Make sure that roof gutters drain properly.
- Clear vegetation and debris from the edges of ponds and remove leaf debris from yards and gardens.
- Clean and properly chlorinate and filtrate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Drain water from pool covers or use a larvicide, such as Mosquito Dunks®. The Health Department provides free Mosquito Dunks® to private residential pool owners ONLY for use in swimming pool covers or in uncovered swimming pools that are not being disinfected and filtered.
- Make sure that all windows and doors have screens and that all screens are in good repair.
In addition, although it is not necessary to cut down on any outdoor activities, you can reduce the risk of being bitten by protecting yourself and your family in the following ways:
- Minimize outdoor activities when mosquitoes are active.
- Wear shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time, or when mosquitoes are most active.
- If you are going to be outdoors when or where mosquitoes are active, consider using an insect repellent. Follow directions on the label.
To learn more, visit http://rocklandgov.com/departments/health/environmental-health/mosquito-control/ or call the Health Department at 364-3173. To learn more about West Nile Virus, visit the New York State Department of Health website at www.health.ny.gov/diseases/west_nile_virus/fact_sheet.htm.