After Henri, remove standing water and clean up carefully.
Westchester residents reminded to take precautions against mosquitos
(White Plains, NY) – In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Henri, Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD, reminds residents to remove standing water around their homes to prevent mosquitos from breeding and biting and to take care when clearing fallen debris.
Westchester County Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD, said: “With several more inches of rain expected today, it is more important than ever to remove any standing water around our homes after the rain stops. Mosquitos are mostly a nuisance, but they can carry West Nile Virus and other diseases. To keep your family safer outdoors, pour out standing water from tarps, watering cans, kiddie pools and flowerpot drip trays. It’s also a good idea to wear repellents when you spend time outdoors.”
Although so far this season there have been no reported cases of West Nile Virus in our area, the virus has been found in mosquitos in Westchester and the region. West Nile Virus infection most often causes a mild or moderate flu-like illness, but can be more serious particularly for people 60 and older, and those with other health complications.
Amler said: “Rain provides ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes that can carry the virus. Mosquitoes bite close to where they breed, which is why it’s so important to remove standing water around your home and to use repellents, especially from dawn to dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.”
If the storm left debris in your yard, Amler advised residents to clear it with caution: “Steer clear of any downed wires and report them to your municipality. If you plan to use a chain saw to clear up fallen branches, gear up first with a helmet, protective goggles or a face shield, earplugs and close-toed boots or shoes with long pants. Never fuel a hot or running chain saw and start the saw at least 10 feet from the fueling area.”
To reduce the chances for mosquitoes to breed and bite around your home, watch this brief video on the Department of Health website and follow these tips:
- Avoid the outdoors in the late afternoon and early evening when mosquitoes are active and feeding, or use insect repellents when outdoors during these times. Follow the instructions on the label.
- Adults can use insect repellents with up to 30 percent DEET on infants over two months of age by applying the product to their own hands and then rubbing their hands on their children. Products containing DEET are not recommended for use on children under two months of age.
- Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and socks when outdoors, especially in areas where mosquitoes are active and feeding.
- Check around your property for containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers that should be discarded or turned over to prevent collecting water.
- Check and remove standing water from children’s toys and play houses left outside.
- Remove discarded tires.
- Drill holes in the bottoms of all recycling containers that stay outdoors.
- Turn over plastic wading pools, buckets and wheelbarrows when not in use.
- Change the water in birdbaths at least twice weekly.
- Keep storm drains and gutters clear of leaves and debris.
- Continue to chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor spas and hot tubs until properly winterized or drained for the season. Also, if not chlorinated, drain any water that collects on their covers.
Residents who notice large areas of standing water on public property can report them to the Westchester County Department of Health at (914) 813-5000.
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