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Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell and Dr. Michael J. Nesheiwat, interim Commissioner of Health, are calling on residents to help prevent mosquito infestation in the county by dumping all standing water on their property on Tuesday.
“Public support is an important and necessary part of any mosquito control program,” said Odell. “Residents should check their yards and dump all standing water that can be removed. If the water cannot be easily emptied, consider using a mosquito dunk. This will help reduce the mosquito population.”
The Zika bags, are also part of the county's effort to prevent Zika from spreading to the area. Each bag contains information about mosquito control and the Zika virus, in addition to two mosquito “dunks," and DEEP wipes.
The dunks, donut-shaped mosquito control products, are made from a biological larvicide that kills mosquitoes before they are old enough to bite.
“Another crucial strategy is to prevent mosquito bites,” said Neisheiwat. “Apply an EPA- approved insect repellant (such as those containing DEET), and dress in long sleeves and pants which may be unpleasant on hot and humid summer days. Fortunately the mosquito which could prove to be a local carrier of the Zika virus is not currently in Putnam.”
The Zika bags can be picked up at the following town hall locations, during their usual business hours, as long as supplies last:
- Carmel, 60 McAlpin Ave., Mahopac; Phone: 845-628- 1500
- Kent, 25 Sybils Crossing, Kent Lakes; Phone: 845-225- 3943
- Patterson, 1142 Route 311; Phone: 845-878- 6500
- Philipstown, 238 Main St., Cold Spring; Phone: 845-265- 3329
- Putnam Valley, 265 Oscawana Lake Road; Phone: 845-526- 2121
- Southeast, 1360 Route 22, Brewster; Phone: 845-279- 2196
A limited supply is also available at the Putnam County Department of Health, 1 Geneva Road, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
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