Season’s first mosquito spraying in Southern BK

MARINE PARK –  Infant mosquito killing will commence in select areas across the city on Tuesday, June 19, and continue through Thursday, June 21 between the hours of 6 a.m. and 7 p.m., weather permitting.

The city will apply a larvicide called VectoMax® FG, which contains naturally occurring bacteria that kills baby mosquitoes, using a low-flying helicopter. Areas to be treated are non-residential, but keep it in mind if you are out and about. This will be done throughout the season to help control breeding in marshy, coastal areas which are natural breeding grounds – during warm weather, mosquitoes can breed in any still water standing for more than five days.

In Marine Park: Marsh areas bounded by Flatbush Avenue to the east; Avenue U to the north; Gerritsen Avenue to the west; and Belt Parkway to the south

In Fresh Creek: Marsh areas bounded by Louisiana Avenue to the east; Stanley Avenue to the north; East 108th Street to the west; and Belt Parkway to the south

Later in the season, the city also usually sprays the areas around Prospect Park and Greenwood Cemetery, depending on the mosquito counts and whether/how many are found to be carrying West Nile Virus, as well as most of Southern Brooklyn.

In the meantime, across much of Brooklyn, yards, patios, and balconies are abuzz, with neighbors swatting away the pesky bloodsuckers while sharing best practices for what plants to plant and contemplating the pros and cons of starting bat colonies.

Any effective solution to reduce mosquito populations seems a to require communal effort – let us know what has worked for you.

Reducing Exposure to Mosquitoes

• Use an approved insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (not for children under three), or products that contain the active ingredient IR3535.
• Make sure windows have screens. 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/health/wnv. For more information about West Nile virus, call 311 or visit nyc.gov.