Connect with us

Government

Rockland County Health Department Announces Annual Mosquito Control Treatment of Catch Basins and Storm Drains

Published

1 year ago

on

NEW CITY, NY — As mosquito season approaches, the Rockland County Department of Health has launched its annual mosquito control initiative aimed at protecting residents from mosquito-borne illnesses such as West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). Beginning on or around May 12, 2025, health officials will begin treating approximately 57,000 catch basins and storm drains across the county. The treatment process is expected to be completed by early June.

“Rockland County has about 57,000 catch basins and storm drains, many of which have the potential to breed mosquitoes,” said Amy Isenberg, Environmental Health Specialist and Mosquito Program Coordinator. “We treat these structures annually to help control the mosquito population and protect the community from diseases mosquitoes can carry.”

The treatment will be conducted by Health Department staff using slow-moving County vehicles, frequently stopping to access catch basins and storm drains. The Department urges drivers and pedestrians to be patient and avoid parking over storm drains during this time to ensure workers can easily perform treatments.
Why Mosquito Control Matters

Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water, where larvae hatch and develop over a period of 7 to 10 days before emerging as adult mosquitoes capable of biting and transmitting dangerous viruses.

To help reduce mosquito breeding, residents are encouraged to eliminate sources of standing water on their property, such as:

Birdbaths, pet bowls, and plant saucers (change water regularly)

Unused toys, buckets, tarps, wading pools, and wheelbarrows (flip or store when not in use)

Free Mosquito Control Resources Available

To support public participation in mosquito control, the Rockland County Department of Health is offering free mosquito prevention tools to residents:

Mosquito Dunks®

Where: Robert L. Yeager Health Complex, 50 Sanatorium Road, Pomona

How: Must be ordered in advance by calling 845-364-3173 or emailing wnv@co.rockland.ny.us

What: Dunks are donut-shaped tablets that float in standing water and release a natural bacterium that kills mosquito larvae. Suitable for unused swimming pools and spas.

Fathead Minnows Giveaway – One Day Only!

When: Wednesday, May 21, from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM

Where: Robert L. Yeager Health Complex, Pomona

What: These small fish feed on mosquito larvae and are ideal for use in ornamental ponds, unused pools, or any water body with at least 8 inches of water.

Reserve: Call 845-364-3173 or reserve online.

The annual mosquito treatment program is a proactive step toward keeping Rockland County residents safe and reducing the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses. By combining county-wide efforts with individual homeowner participation, the Health Department aims to make a significant impact on the local mosquito population this summer.

For more information on mosquito prevention or to reserve mosquito control products, call the Rockland County Health Department at 845-364-3173.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Government

Clarkstown Town Clerk Lauren Marie Wohl Launches Text Alerts for Tax Bill Updates

Published

4 days ago

on

August 9, 2026

By

CLARKSTOWN, NY — Beginning with the new tax season on September 1, the Clarkstown Town Clerk’s Office will offer residents a new and convenient way to receive updates about their tax bills directly by text message.

Town Clerk Lauren Marie Wohl announced that residents can opt in to the service by texting “TAXINFO” to 845-644-6899.

Once a resident’s tax bill is ready, those enrolled will receive a text message containing a link. Residents can then enter their property address to view their tax bill and, if they choose, make a payment online.

The new text notification system does not replace traditional mailed tax bills. Residents who sign up for the service will continue to receive their regular tax bill in the mail. The text alerts are intended to provide an additional and more convenient way for residents to know when their bills are available and access their information.

“Residents asked for a simpler way to receive tax bill information, and I’m proud that we were able to make it happen,” Wohl said.

Residents with questions about the new service can contact the Clarkstown Town Clerk’s Office at 845-639-2010.

Continue Reading

Government

Flock Cameras in Rockland County: Safety Tool or Privacy Concern?

Published

5 days ago

on

August 8, 2026

By

Flock cameras have become an increasingly debated topic across the country, including here in Rockland County.

Flock cameras are automated license plate readers used by law enforcement to capture license plates and vehicle characteristics as vehicles pass by. Police can use the information to assist with investigations, including locating stolen vehicles, identifying vehicles associated with wanted suspects, helping find missing people and developing leads following crimes.

One of the cameras pictured is located outside The Shops at Nanuet in Clarkstown. A graphic from the website DeFlock also shows reported camera locations throughout the area.

Supporters say the technology can give police an important investigative tool and help solve crimes more quickly. Critics, however, have raised concerns about privacy and the collection of information about where people drive, even when they are not suspected of committing a crime.

The debate ultimately comes down to a question of public safety versus privacy.

What do you think? Are Flock cameras a valuable tool for law enforcement, or are they an intrusion on your privacy?

Continue Reading

Trending