Several Brooklyn Neighborhoods Will Be Sprayed For Mosquitoes Wednesday, 08/08

The NYC Department of Health has announced that several neighborhoods in Brooklyn will be sprayed with mosquito-killing pesticides on Wednesday, August 8 to prevent West Nile Virus and other mosquito-borne diseases.

Trucks will spray very low concentrations of adulticide in numerous Brooklyn residential neighborhoods on Wednesday, August 8 between the hours of 9pm and 6am the following morning. [Rain date is scheduled for Thursday, August 9.]

Locations of truck spraying include:

Parts of Bergen Beach, Brownsville, Canarsie, Clinton Hill, Crown Heights, Downtown Brooklyn, East Flatbush, East New York, Farragut, Fort Greene, Georgetown, Greenwood Heights, Mill Basin, New Lots, Paerdegat Basin, Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Prospect Park South, Remsen Village, Rugby, Spring Creek, Starrett City, and Windsor Terrace

Area codes: 11201, 11203, 11205, 11207, 11212, 11215, 11216, 11217, 11218, 11219, 11225, 11226, 11232, 11234, 11236, 11238, 11239

Parts of Bath Beach, Bensonhurst, Dyker Heights, and New Utrecht

Areas codes: 11204, 11214, 11219, 11220, 11228

Click here to see the neighborhood boundaries.

According to the Health Department the risks of the pesticides the agency uses for mosquito control are low to people and pets. Some people who are sensitive to spray ingredients may experience short-term eye or throat irritation, or a rash. People with respiratory conditions may also be affected.

To stay safe during spraying, the agency recommends:

  • Staying indoors, whenever possible
  • While air conditioners can remain on, residents may choose to close air conditioner vents or select the recirculate function (though it is not necessary)

After spraying, the agency recommends:

  • Washing outdoor toys and equipment with soap and water (though it is not necessary)
  • Washing skin and clothing exposed to pesticides with soap and water
  • Always washing fruits and vegetables with water before consuming.

Eliminating any standing water is the most effective way to control mosquitoes. NYC Health also encourages residents to mosquito-proof their homes and take precautions when outdoors by:

  • Using an approved insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (not for children under 3), or products that contain the active ingredient IR3535
  • Installing screens on windows and repairing/replacing screens that have tears or holes
  • Eliminating any standing water from your property and disposing of containers that can collect water. Standing water is a violation of the New York City Health Code.
  • Making sure roof gutters are clean and draining properly
  • Cleaning and chlorinating swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs. Keeping them empty or covered when not in use. Draining water that collects on pool covers.

Go to NYC Health to learn more.