To eliminate breeding sites for mosquitoes that can carry West Nile Virus, the Westchester County Department of Health started West Nile Virus prevention efforts on May 13, by checking catch basins throughout the county for standing water and applying larvicide as needed.
Health department larviciding teams began in the northern part of the county and work their way south, evaluating and treating as needed all catch basins on county and municipal roads throughout the county over the next few months.
To help prevent mosquitoes from breeding, residents should eliminate standing water from around their properties, especially after it rains. Large areas of standing water on public property that cannot easily be removed should be reported to the Health Department by calling (914) 813-5000.
"Through the combined efforts of residents and county government, we can successfully curb the mosquito population and keep cases of West Nile Virus to a minimum," said Sherlita Amler, MD, commissioner of health. "We must all do our part to keep mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus from breeding in Westchester. Please survey your property routinely and empty standing water from any discarded tires, unchlorinated swimming pools, outdoor pottery, pails, birdbaths or other containers throughout the spring and summer."