Health Department to treat parts of Queens against West Nile

The city’s Health Department will treat parts of Queens over several days this week to help reduce the mosquito population and the risk of West Nile virus.

The treatment, which will involve the application of larvicide from low-flying helicopters, will take place on Tuesday, June 9, Wednesday, June 10, and Thursday, June 11, between the hours of 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. In case of bad weather, the application will be delayed until Wednesday, June 10, Thursday, June 11, and Friday, June 12, during the same hours, and could also be completed in less time than allotted.

For this application, the Health Department will use larvicides containing naturally occurring bacteria — VectoBac CG, VectoMax CG/FG and/or VectoLex CG/FG.

LOCATIONS:

Alley Pond Park (Marsh areas inside Alley Pond Park)

Linden Hill and College Point (Marsh areas bounded by Whitestone Expressway to the east; 20th Avenue to the north; 130th Avenue and Ulmer Street to the west; and Ulmer Street and 28th Street to the south)

Edgemere and Somerville (Marsh areas bounded by Norton Basin to the east; Mott Point to the north; Grass Hassock Channel to the west; and Beach 65th Street, De Costa Avenue and Almeda Avenue to the south)

The Health Department recommends that people take the following precautions to minimize exposure to mosquitoes:

• Use an approved insect repellent containing picaridin, DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus (not for children under three) or products that contain the active ingredient IR3535.
• 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 or covered if not in use; drain water that collects in pool covers.
• Report standing water by calling 311 or visiting nyc.gov/health/wnv.

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