Spraying Planned For West Nile Virus

Health Department trucks will be driving through Bath Beach, Dyker Heights and Bay Ridge today, weather permitting, to spray for the West Nile virus. According to the Department of Heath (DOH), the effort hopes to curb potential outbreaks of the virus by reducing the number of mosquitoes.

This isn’t the first time the DOH has sprayed for West Nile in the area. The city sprayed the area twice last year, first by trucks and then by helicopter.

The following zip codes will be sprayed tonight between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 6 a.m., 11209 and 11228. If the weather is not optimal, spraying will instead take place on Monday, August 26, during the same hours.

The DOH provided instructions for residents during spraying as well as tips to avoid potential exposure to the West Nile virus:

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 reducing the amount of time spent outdoors during the hours between dusk and dawn in areas with heavy mosquito populations.
• Use an approved insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (not for children under three).
• 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 and covered if not in use; drain water that collects in pool covers.
• Report standing water by calling 311 or visiting nyc.gov.

Best of luck, everybody, and stay safe.