As summer approaches it is important to keep the following safety tips in mind:
General Safety Tips
- Keep yards maintained. Overgrown grass and weeds are a prime environment for the breeding and infestation of warm weather pests such as mosquitoes and ticks. As per Village Code §43-1, grass, brush, rubbish or weeds or other rank vegetation should be no more than 12 inches above ground level. This provision does not apply to cultivated flowers and gardens, trees and shrubs.
- Be mindful of speed limits and traffic signs.
- Make sure that pool safety laws are followed. For more information on the Village’s Code for swimming pools, review Chapter 167: Swimming Pools by clicking here: Village Code
Pest Control and Protection
Rat Issues – Mayor Brennan would like to inform residents that the Village has been taking action to prevent future rat problems. The Village has been working with Suffolk County Health Department and a contracted pest control company to ensure that homeowners treat rat infestation issues with the toughness that is required.
Tips to Prevent Rat Problems:
- Keep lids on garbage cans
- Monitor areas that collect water
- Use bird feeders that prevent bird seed from falling to the ground. The excess seed attracts rats
- Maintain lawn and weeds
If you notice a rat problem, please call the Suffolk County Department of Health Services at (631) 854-0333.
Mosquitoes – Mosquitoes breed in areas where water collects. The Suffolk County Department of Health Services suggests emptying and scrubbing bird baths, pet water dishes and plastic wading pools at least every three days.
Areas to Monitor for Water Collection:
- Low spots in your yard
- Bases of flowerpots
- Watering cans
- Rain gutters
The Suffolk County Division of Vector Control conducts sprayings to control the adult mosquitoes in our area. Before the spraying, all land line phones will receive a recorded message from the County’s Code Red system. If you would like to sign up for CodeRED notifications via cell phone, text messaging or email, you can do so by visiting the following link: CodeRED Sign Up
Ticks – Unlike mosquitoes, ticks are active all year. Ticks crawl close to the ground on leaves, brush and tall grass. Residents should take the following into consideration:
Suggestions for Homeowners:
- Keep lawn mowed and bushes trimmed
- Keep yard edges clear of furniture and children’s toys, as ticks are more likely to gather there
For more tick safety tips, visit the following safety brochure distributed by Suffolk County Department of Health Services Tick Safety Brochure
Resources:
Suffolk County Department of Health Services Mosquito Safety Brochure
Suffolk County Department of Health Services Tick Safety Brochure
Suffolk County Pool Safety Tips
