Today there will be another round of West Nile spraying in Queens to help reduce the mosquito population and the risk of the disease.
Two people in the borough have already contracted the disease as well as four others in New York City.
The spraying will take place from 8 p.m. Thursday until 6 a.m. Friday morning in parts of Lindenwood, Ozone Park and South Ozone Park. Specifically, 97th Avenue, 93rd Street and Liberty Avenue to the north, 76th Street to the west, North Conduit Avenue to the south and Lefferts Boulevard to the east.
The pesticide being used, Anvil 10 + 10, poses no health risks when used properly, but 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.
Residents are also advised to take steps to reduce the number of mosquitoes around a home or property, including eliminating standing water in yards. In addition, New Yorkers are urged to:
• Dispose of used tires, tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar containers in which water collects;
• Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are kept outdoors. Make sure roof gutters drain properly and clean clogged gutters in the spring and fall;
• Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use and change the water in bird baths twice a week;
• Clean vegetation and debris from the edges of ponds; and
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs, and drain water from pool covers.
