Health Department to spray larvicide to control mosquito population

The Health Department will apply larvicide in areas of Queens next week to help control the mosquito population.
Alley Creek, Abandoned Flushing Airport, Dubos Point and Edgemere Park are the areas scheduled to be treated. The larvicide will be applied from a low-flying helicopter on Monday, July 18, Tuesday, July 19 and Wednesday, July 20 between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. These marshy areas are natural breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
The larvicides being applied – VectoBac™ CG and/or VectoLex™ CG – both contain naturally occurring bacteria. These larvicides will be used throughout the mosquito season to treat mosquito-breeding sites. Both products are approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
West Nile Virus was discovered in Staten Island – where larvicide will also be applied – earlier in July. There have been no human cases this year. Last year there were 42 cases of West Nile in NYC, 14 in Queens.
While West Nile will sometimes produce only mild flu-like symptoms such as headache, fever and fatigue, the virus can also cause serious neurological diseases. If you think you have symptoms of West Nile Virus, see your doctor right away.