FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 14, 2004

ANNUAL MOSQUITO CONTROL EFFORTS RESUME IN WESTCHESTER FOR 2004

Larviciding Program, Clean-Up Initiative Upcoming

Beginning on May 17, certified technicians from the Westchester County Department of Health will begin applying briquettes of the larvicide Altosid (methoprene) into state, county and local municipal catch basins as part of its effort to prevent the spread of West Nile Virus. Additionally, on a case-by-case basis, the control agents Vectolex CG, Vectobac G and Bactimos Briquettes may also be used.

Larviciding will begin with municipal storm water catch basins in the northern area of the county and will proceed south until all of the county's municipal catch basins have been completed. A map of areas receiving larvicide treatment can be viewed at the offices of the Westchester County Health Department, 145 Huguenot Street, New Rochelle during the hours of 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

County Executive Spano is also asking that residents pitch in and assist with mosquito control activities by taking preventive measures to help eliminate mosquito breeding grounds on their properties.

“On June 11 and 12, residents can participate in our “Spring S.T.I.N.G. Clean-Up,” which is an organized effort to fight West Nile virus in Westchester County by ridding our communities of potential mosquito breeding sites,” said Spano. “The Spring S.T.I.N.G. Clean-Up event is a wonderful opportunity for residents to get involved and take pride in their communities while, at the same time, helping to stop the spread of West Nile virus,” he added.

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MOSQUITO CONTROL P.2

The public is also encouraged to report large areas of standing water that cannot easily be cleaned up by calling the Health Department’s 24-hour Public Health Information Line at (914) 813-5609 or by logging onto www.westchestergov.com/health and completing an online form.

Mosquitoes capable of carrying West Nile virus lay their eggs in stagnant water. The eggs can develop in any pool or puddle of water that stands undisturbed for more than four days. Mosquitoes will breed in any untreated water, so the Health Department recommends doing the following around your home:

· Remove unnecessary water-holding containers, especially old tires, cans, buckets, drums, wheelbarrows and bottles.

· Cover trash containers to keep out rain.

· Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.

· Clean roof gutters and remove standing water from flat roofs.

· Remove standing water from basements.

· Place a couple of capfuls of household bleach in a basement sump-pump pit if it has standing water.

· Keep drains, culverts and streams clean of weeds and trash so that the water will drain properly.

· Make sure stored boat covers are completely drained. Store small boats upside down.

· Drain water in birdbaths, plant pots and drip trays twice a week.

· Keep grass cut short and trim shrubs to eliminate hiding places for adult mosquitoes.

· Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor spas and hot tubs. Be sure rainwater does not collect on pool, spa or hot tub covers. Disinfect the cover with bleach to kill mosquito larvae and eggs.

· Clean vegetation and debris from the edges of ponds.

· Fill in hollow tree stumps and rot holes that hold water with sand or concrete.

· Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are kept outdoors.

The Health Department will not be collecting any dead birds from residents for testing this year. However, it is still important that dead birds be reported for tracking purposes. Any resident that sees a dead bird is asked to call the United States Department of Agriculture, toll free at 1-866-537-2473 to report the sighting.

For more information about West Nile virus, visit www.westchestergov.com/health or call the Health Department’s Public Health Information Line at (914) 813-5609.

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