Pesticide Spraying Thursday In Bath Beach, Gravesend

According to Home Reporter, the Department of Health will be spraying insecticides in both Bath Beach and Gravesend tomorrow August 25, sometime between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. According to the Department of Health’s website, the spraying will be from 8:15 p.m. on August 25, until 6 a.m. on August 26, if it doesn’t rain.

The spraying is being conducted to stop the spread of West Nile Virus by mosquitoes. The agent being used, called Avril, is known to specifically target and reduce mosquito activity levels.

If you live in the area being sprayed, please try to stay indoors, with windows and doors closed, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Take special care to keep children and pets inside, as they may be more susceptible to the negative effects of chemical pesticides.

From Home Reporter:

In case of bad weather, the spraying will be postponed to Monday, August 29, during the same hours.

Spraying will be conducted in an area bordered by West 8th Street and Shell Road to the east, 86th Street and Bay Parkway to the north, Gravesend Bay to the west, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south. These areas include zip codes 11214, 11223 and 11224.

Common mosquito breeding grounds include areas with standing water, so make sure to cover or drain any outdoor pools, remove excess water from pool covers and backyard furniture, and to clear outdoor drains. Also, individuals over age three should use an approved insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus (see the DOH website at http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/wnv/wnvfaq4.shtml.

Most strains of West Nile Virus are not fatal. However, some more severe cases, coupled with brain-damaging encephalitis or meningitis, can be fatal. Around 10% of patients with brain inflammation, which can happen as a result of severe West Nile Virus, die.