West Nile Virus Found In Southampton

The New York State Integrated Pest Management Program offers this advice:

• Dump out standing water from containers in the yard, including recycling bins with bottle caps and cans, tires, boats, and tarps.
• Clean debris from rain gutters early in spring and check them regularly. If you are unable to clean them, ask your landscaper or pest control technician. A huge number of mosquitoes can result from clogged gutters.
• Clean, filter, and treat pools. Empty children’s pools and turn them over when not in use. Keep pool covers clean by propping them up to drain water.
• Encourage natural enemies. For example, stock ornamental ponds with goldfish. Mosquito fish (a type of minnow, also known as Gambusia) devour mosquito larvae. Dragonflies and damselflies are mosquito predators.
• Construct goldfish ponds properly. Large goldfish are unable to reach sloping edges of ponds where mosquitoes breed, so be sure your pond has vertical sides. A pond fountain will also reduce mosquito breeding.
• Change the water in birdbaths and fountains twice a week.

Mosquito problems and stagnant pools of water may be reported to the Department of Public Works’ Vector Control Division at 631-852-4270.