Tonight: Stay Indoors, Mosquito Spraying To Take Place

The New York City Department of Health issued a warning for the residents of Bath Beach, Dyker Heights and Bay Ridge: If possible stay indoors this evening because they will be spraying for mosquitoes.

The DOH will spray pesticide from trucks in an attempt to prevent any spread of the West Nile Virus between 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. The zip codes to be affected are: 11209, 11214 and 11228.

“These neighborhoods are being treated due to rising West Nile virus activity with high or increasing mosquito populations,” they state on their website.

Other than staying indoors, here are some more precautionary measure residents can take to limit their expore to the pesticide spray:

• 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.

Though nothing is mentioned about covering vegetable gardens, it may be a good idea since the area boasts quite a few small-scale food grow operations.

In the event of bad weather, spraying will occur during the same hours on August 9.

For more information call 311 or go to the DOH website.