Fight Mosquitoes With Fatheads From Rockland County

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY —Rockland County health officials will give away free minnows and mosquito dunks, plus advice and strategies to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile Virus.

Residents with ornamental ponds can add fathead minnows to the water. The minnows eat mosquito larvae, preventing them from maturing into biters.

Dunks work in birdbaths, rain barrels and unused pools. They are small, donut-shaped objects that float on the water's surface and release bacteria that kill mosquitoes in their larval stage in water, before they become flying, biting adults. They are for use in closed or unused private swimming pools and spas, and are effective for about 30 days.

"The Mosquito Dunks® & fathead minnow giveaways are a perfect way for all of us to take action to help control the mosquito population and protect ourselves and the community from vector-borne diseases," said Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Ruppert. "We encourage residents to take advantage of these free mosquito control products."

The fathead minnows will be available for one day only, and they must be ordered in advance. To order the minnows, call (845) 364-3173 or go online. Order by April 19.

The fish will be available for pick-up from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. April 22 at the Robert L. Yeager Health Complex, 50 Sanatorium Road in Pomona. The Health Department will provide the required permits plus the fish, which will be in a sealed bag for transport. Bring a bucket or small cooler.

Please visit the county website on the day of the event to confirm that the giveaway will take place as scheduled. Once there, follow the "Free Dunk/Fish" signs from Sanatorium Road to the giveaway location.

Dunks will be available, free of charge, for curbside pickup at the Yeager Health Complex in Pomona, while supplies last.

They must be ordered in advance by calling (845) 364-3173 or emailing wnv@co.rockland.ny.us

See the webpage for details and download and print a DUNK GIVEAWAY FORM. Bring the completed and signed form to the pickup location on the arranged day/time.

Meanwhile, check your own yard for anything that holds water. A bottle cap is large enough for a mosquito to lay eggs. Children's toys and equipment have lots of small nooks for mosquitos.

"Remember, the most effective mosquito control begins in your own backyard, so be sure to check around your property for any items that can hold water and store them in a manner that prevents them from collecting water," she said.

For more information, visit the Rockland County Health Department Mosquito Control Program webpage. Also www.health.ny.gov/diseases/west_nile_virus/ and www.health.ny.gov/diseases/zika_virus/.