West Nile Pesticide Spraying In Our Area Tonight: What To Do

The Department of Health says it will be spraying pesticides to reduce mosquito activity and the risk of the West Nile virus in Prospect Park and other parts of our neighborhood tonight, Tuesday, September 16 between 8pm and 6am.

If this morning’s rain continues, the spraying will be postponed until tomorrow, Wednesday, September 17. However, the DOH informs us that because the rain is forecast to end well before 8pm, the spraying will take place today as planned — check their site for the latest updates.

The area that is scheduled to be sprayed is bordered by Rutland Road, Washington Avenue, Classon Avenue, Atlantic Avenue, Carlton Avenue, Flatbush Avenue, Prospect Park West and 19th Street to the north; 4th Avenue to the west; 44th Street, 16th Avenue, Dahill Road, Cortelyou Road, Flatbush Avenue and Avenue D to the south, and Utica Ave to the east.

For these sprayings, the Health Department says it uses a very low concentration of Anvil 10+10, a synthetic pesticide, adding that “when properly used, this product poses no significant risks to human health.”

Still, they recommend you minimize direct exposure by taking the following precautions:

• Stay indoors whenever possible during spraying, especially if you have asthma or other respiratory conditions.

• Close the vents on your air-conditioner and set it to recirculate.

• Remove toys, equipment and clothing from outdoor areas. If you leave them out there, make sure to wash them with soap before using them.

• If you have an outdoor garden, wash your produce thoroughly before eating it.

Here’s a PDF from the city detailing the spraying and safety tips, and here’s the city’s webpage for West Nile Virus.

Map via DOH