See which Queens neighborhoods will be sprayed this week to reduce Zika virus threat

In addition to their usual annoying buzz and bite, this year’s mosquitoes come with a threat of Zika virus.

Luckily, there is no local transmission of Zika virus in New York City at this time, and no West Nile virus has been detected either, but the adage “better safe than sorry” definitely applies this year.

That’s why the city’s Health Department will conduct a second aerial larvicide application to marsh and other non-residential areas in Queens starting today, Thursday, June 9, to Saturday, June 11, between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. In case of bad weather, the application will be delayed until Monday, June 13, during the same hours.

The first round of aerial larvicide application took place in Queens last month.

The Health Department will be using a naturally occurring, environmentally friendly larvicide called VectoBac® GS, which kills infant mosquito eggs before they grow into adults. VectoBac® GS, which will be used throughout the season, has been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

The Health Department also advises that the most effective way to get rid of mosquitoes is to eliminate standing water. Queens residents are also encourage to mosquito-proof their homes using window screens without holes and take precautions when spending time outside.

To reduce your exposure to mosquito risk:

Use an insect repellent, which contains picaridin, DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus (however, not for children under three), or products that contain the active ingredient IR3535.
Make sure your windows have screens without any tears or holes.
Get rid of any standing water on your property and dispose of containers that can collect water. In fact, standing water is a violation of the New York City Health Code.
Make sure your roof gutters are clean and drain water properly.
Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Keep them empty or covered when not using them; and don’t forget to drain water that collects in pool covers.
If you see any standing water, report it by calling 311 or visiting on Department’s website.

The following areas will be sprayed this week in Queens:

Queens	Alley Pond Park	Alley Creek	Marsh areas inside Alley Pond Park; areas bounded by Grand Central Parkway to the south; Northern Boulevard to the north; Douglaston Parkway and 240^th Street to the east, Cross Island Parkway and East Hampton Boulevard to the west	11362 11363
	Linden Hill/ College Point	Abandoned Flushing Airport	Marsh areas bounded by Whitestone Expressway to the east; 20^th Avenue to the north; 130^th Avenue and Ulmer Street to the west; and Ulmer Street and 28^th Street to the south	11354 11356 11357
	Edgemere, Somerville	Dubos Point and Edgemere Park	Marsh areas bounded by Norton Basin to the east; Mott Point to the north; Grass Hassock Channel to the west; and Beach 65^th Street, De Costa Avenue and Almeda Avenue to the south	11691 11692
	Brookville Park	Brookville Park	Marsh areas bounded by Rockaway Boulevard to the south; 149^th Avenue (to 225^th Street), 148^th Avenue (to 230^th Street) and 147^th Avenue (to 235^th Street) to the north; 150^th Road to the west; and Huxley Street to the east	11413 11422
	Kissena Park	Kissena Park	Marsh areas bounded by Booth Memorial Avenue to the south; 164^th Street to the east; Oak Avenue and Rose Avenue to the north; and Kissena Boulevard to the west	11355 11365