Health Department to Spray Pesticide to Reduce the Number of Mosquitoes and the Risk of West Nile Virus in Selected Parts of Brooklyn

Martin J. Golden

August 18, 2015

Health

files/pdfs/South Brooklyn West Nile Virus Spraying.pdf

To reduce mosquito activity and the risk of West Nile virus, the Health Department will spray pesticide from trucks in parts of Brooklyn on Wednesday, August 19, 2015 between the hours of 8:30 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning, weather permitting. In case of bad weather, application will be delayed until Thursday, August 20, 2015 during the same hours. The neighborhoods listed below are being treated due to rising West Nile virus activity and have high mosquito populations.

For these sprayings, the Health Department will use a very low concentration of Anvil® 10+10, a synthetic pesticide. When properly used, this product poses no significant risks to human health. The Health Department recommends that people take the following precautions to minimize direct exposure:

-Whenever possible, stay indoors during spraying. People with asthma or other respiratory conditions are encouraged to stay inside during spraying since direct exposure could worsen these conditions.

-Air conditioners may remain on, however, if you wish to reduce the possibility of indoor exposure to pesticides, set the air conditioner vent to the closed position, or choose the re-circulate function.

-Remove children’s toys, outdoor equipment, and clothes from outdoor areas during spraying. If outdoor equipment and toys are exposed to pesticides, wash them with soap and water before using again.

-Wash skin and clothing exposed to pesticides with soap and water. Always wash your produce thoroughly with water before cooking or eating.

-Reducing Exposure to Mosquitoes

-Consider limiting time outdoors between dusk and dawn in areas with significant mosquito infestations.

-Wear protective clothing when outdoors, and use an approved insect repellent containing picaridin, DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus (not for children under three), or products that contain the active ingredient IR3535.

-Make sure windows have screens and repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.

-Eliminate any standing water from your property and dispose of containers that can collect water. Standing water is a violation of the New York City Health Code.

-Make sure roof gutters are clean and draining properly.

-Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Keep them empty or covered if not in use; drain water that collects in pool covers.

-Report standing water by calling 311 or visiting nyc.gov.

Locations of Application:

Neighborhoods Boundaries Zip Codes

Parts of Bath Beach, Bay Ridge, Bensonhurst, Dyker Heights, Gravesend, Fort Hamilton, New Utreht Bordered by 86th St, 21st Ave, Bay Ridge PKWY, 15th Ave, and 64th St, Fort Hamilton Pkwy and 83rd St to the North, The Atlantic Ocean to the West and the South; Coney Island Creek and Shell Road to the East; Parts of 11204, 11209, 11214, 11219, 11223, 11228

Parts of Georgetown, Mill Basin, Flatlands, East Flatbush, Flatbush, Marine Park, Midwood, Mill Island Bordered by Avenue K to the North; Ocean Ave, Avenue X, and Nostrand Ave to the West; the Belt PKWY to the South; and Belt PKWY and Paerdegat Basin to the East; Parts of 11210, 11229, 11234,11235

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