As part of its mosquito control program, the Health Department will conduct its sixth aerial larvicide treatment to marsh and other non-residential areas of Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx from Monday, August 8 to Wednesday, August 10, between the hours of 6 a.m. and 7 p.m., weather permitting. In case of bad weather, application will be delayed until Tuesday, August 9 to Thursday, August 11 during the same hours. Due to size and limited accessibility, these areas will be treated using a low-flying helicopter. While three to four days are allotted for this activity, the application may be completed in less time. The areas to be treated appear below.
The first citywide larvicide treatment occurred May 12, 13, and 14th, the second treatment took place from June 9 to June 11th, the third session was from June 24 to June 26th, the fourth occurred the first week of July, and the most recent larviciding occurred from July 26 to July 28th. Last year, the Health Department conducted a total of three larvicide events over three months. The Health Department monitors mosquitoes that carry the West Nile virus and could carry the Zika virus, and applies pesticides to their breeding grounds when appropriate throughout the summer. During warm weather, mosquitoes can breed in any still water standing for more than four days. In the targeted areas, existing hot and wet weather conditions are predicted to escalate a rise in mosquito populations.
The most effective way to control mosquitoes is to eliminate any standing water. New Yorkers are also encouraged to mosquito-proof their homes and take precautions when spending time outdoors.
The Health Department will use naturally occurring and environmentally friendly larvicides to kill infant mosquito eggs before they grow into adults. VectoPrime® FG containing naturally occurring bacteria and an insect growth regulator- will be used for this application. These products are approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and will be used on mosquito-breeding sites throughout the mosquito season.
To reduce exposure to mosquitos:
-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.
