FYI: Pesticide Spraying Tonight To Target West Nile Virus Spread In Fort Greene

Fort Greene residents, take note: the city will be spraying mosquito-targeting pesticides tonight in an effort to curb the spread of West Nile Virus.

The spraying will take place from 8:30pm tonight to 6am tomorrow morning and stretch from Vanderbilt Avenue to the east, Jay and Smith Streets to the west, BQE and Tillary Streets to the north, and Atlantic Avenue and Degraw Street to the south.

The synthetic pesticide used is called Anvil® 10+10. “When properly used, this product poses no significant risks to human health,” stated the city Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH).

Still, the DOHMH advises the following precautions to limit 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.