By Gina Martinez
The Health Department announced that to reduce the risk of West Nile virus it will spray pesticide from trucks in parts of Queens Wednesday between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning, weather permitting.
Parts of Auburndale, Fresh Meadows, Hillcrest, Kew Gardens Hills, Murray Hill, Pomonok, and Queensboro Hill will be sprayed with very low concentrations of Anvil 10+10. When properly used, these products pose no significant risks to human health, the department said.
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 repellent 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.
In case of inclement weather, the application will be delayed until Thursday during the same hours.
Reach Gina Martinez by e-mail at gmart
