NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- The Westchester County Department of Health is giving away live minnows to residents with ornamental ponds on their properties in an effort to combat West Nile Virus and other mosquito-borne diseases.
Health department employees will bring 250 pounds of minnows to the Westchester County Airport on Friday, April 23 and Saturday, April 24, the county said in a press release on Friday.
Residents with ponds that are at least eight inches deep outside their homes will be able to pick up bags of minnows free of charge between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on both days, the county said.
“Residents who plan to pick up minnows should wear masks, maintain social distancing when they arrive, and bring a bucket or pail,” the release said. “The Health Department will distribute the minnows in watertight plastic bags.”
The minnows should be release into the water “immediately” to ensure their well-being, the release noted.
“With their hearty appetites, this baitfish can keep mosquitoes from breeding in your pond and biting you in your own backyard,” Commissioner of Health Sherlita Amler said in a statement.
“Mosquitos can lay their eggs in a puddle, a flowerpot saucer or an old tire, so after it rains, pour out standing water and clear your yard and the pavement around your home of buckets, wheelbarrows and toys that hold standing water,” she added.
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