The Oneida County Health Department is offering county residents help in reducing the mosquito population around their homes and properties.

Beginning Monday June 3rd,, residents can stop by the Health Department's Environmental Services Office located on the 4th floor of the Adirondack Bank Building in Utica from 8:30 to 4:00 to receive a free Mosquito Control Kit.

The water soluble pouch is designed for outdoor use in standing water where mosquitoes breed and helps control mosquito larvae.

The kits will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

“While mosquitoes are definitely an unwanted nuisance that disrupt our enjoyment of the outdoors this time of year, they can also transmit viruses to people and some animals,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente. “That’s why we must be vigilant in taking precautions to safeguard ourselves from potential harm.”

To further decrease the mosquito population, residents are advised to reduce or eliminate all standing water around their homes and properties by doing the following:

  • Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers.
  • Dispose of used tires, since these are significant mosquito breeding sites.
  • Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are kept outdoors.
  • Make sure roof gutters drain properly and clean clogged gutters.
  • Remove leaf debris from yards and gardens.
  • Turn over wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
  • Change the water in birdbaths twice weekly.
  • Clean vegetation and debris from edges of ponds.
  • Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs.
    rain water from pool covers.
  • Landscape to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.

For more information, contact the Oneida County Health Department at (315) 798-5064.

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