By Naeisha Rose
The city Health Department will spray 10 neighborhoods throughout Queens with pesticide from trucks Thursday between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. Friday.
If there is bad weather, the application will be delayed to Aug. 14 during the same time frame, according to the Health Department.
The towns include Briarwood, Forest Hills, Forest Hills Gardens, Glendale, Jamaica, Kew Gardens, Maspeth, Middle Village, Richmond Hill, and Woodhaven.
These localities were monitored and meet the criteria for spraying because they have high numbers of Culex mosquitoes, which have been known to transmit the West Nile virus and the areas chosen have been breeding grounds for the pesky bloodsuckers, according to the Health Department.
The spray will use very low concentrations of Anvil® 10+10, and if properly used it won’t pose significant risks to human health, according to the Health Department.
To further prevent any health hazards the department would like people with respiratory conditions to stay inside and not risk exposure during spraying. Individuals should set air conditioners to the closed or re-circulate function when in use. Children’s toys, equipment, and clothes should be removed from outdoors, according to the department.
Individuals, food and clothes that are exposed should be thoroughly washed in soap and water.
New Yorkers are encouraged to mosquito-proof their homes and their lives by eliminating standing water, using insect repellant with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (not for children under 3) or products that contain the ingredient IR3535, according to the organization.
Denizens should also dispose of anything collecting water; get, replace or repair window screens; clean roof gutters and drains, clean, chlorinate; and cover swimming pools, saunas, and hot tubs as another measure of safety.
As a reminder to New Yorkers, standing water is a violation of the city’s Health Code, according to the department.
Reach reporter Naeisha Rose by e-mail at nrose
