Another round of West Nile spraying is set for parts of Queens next week in an effort to reduce mosquito activity and the risk of the virus as some local residents are noticing the presence of more mosquitoes.
The treatment, which will include spraying pesticide from trucks, will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 24, between the hours of 8:30 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning. In case of bad weather, the application will be delayed until Wednesday, Sept. 2, during the same hours.
Specifically, the spraying will include parts of Howard Beach, Lindenwood and Woodhaven, and will extend into neighboring parts of Brooklyn. The treatment area will be bordered by Atlantic Avenue, Euclid Avenue, Cypress Hills Street, Jackie Robinson Parkway, Vermont Street, Livona Avenue, Van Sinderen, Foster Avenue, Rockaway Parkway and Glenwood Road to the north; Paerdegat Avenue S. and Paerdegat Basin to the west; Jamaica Bay to the south; and Woodhaven Boulevard, Rockaway Boulevard and the A train subway track to the east.
Howard Beach residents have contacted Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder and state Senator Joseph Addabbo to call for increased mosquito spraying in the area, pointing to the increase in abandoned houses and standing water that have become breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
For these sprayings, the Health Department will use a very low concentration of the synthetic pesticide Anvil 10+10, which poses no significant risks to human health when properly used.
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.
