Westchester Spotlights Mosquito Control Program In New Public Health Video

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — Health officials are offering some sage advice, and highlighting efforts to keep pests from ruining your summer.

Westchester County is touting its mosquito control program in a new public health video aimed at showing residents how the county tracks mosquito activity and how people can help reduce breeding sites at home. The video focuses on prevention and details how the Westchester County Department of Health monitors mosquito populations, conducts surveillance for mosquito-borne diseases, and works during mosquito season to reduce breeding areas.

The video offers an inside look at the county's mosquito control work and includes practical steps residents can take on their own properties. Throughout mosquito season, the Department of Health traps and tests mosquitoes for diseases such as West Nile virus and works with municipalities and residents to identify and eliminate breeding areas whenever possible.

"Protecting public health starts with prevention," Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said. "Our Mosquito Control Program is an important part of keeping Westchester residents safe from mosquito-borne illnesses, but it is a shared responsibility. This new video gives residents simple, effective steps they can take to eliminate standing water and help reduce mosquito populations in their own neighborhoods."

The county encouraged residents to eliminate standing water from containers, flowerpots, birdbaths and gutters, keep swimming pools properly maintained, wear insect repellent outdoors, and wear long sleeves and pants during peak mosquito activity at dawn and dusk. Residents also were advised to make sure window and door screens are in good repair.

"The vast majority of mosquito breeding happens in places around our homes and neighborhoods," Westchester County Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler said. "Emptying containers that collect water, cleaning gutters, maintaining pools, and eliminating standing water can make a tremendous difference. We encourage every resident to watch the video and do their part to help protect their families and communities."

According to the county, its mosquito surveillance and control efforts are part of an ongoing commitment to protecting the health and well-being of Westchester residents through education, prevention and early detection. The county also encouraged residents to watch the full video for more information about the program and prevention steps.