NEW YORK – Mosquito warning: New York City says its days are numbered.
The city’s Health Department plans to spray additional sections of Staten Island and Brooklyn next week with adulticide, a pesticide used to kill adult mosquitoes. Some places in Staten Island and Queens were sprayed last Tuesday.
The next spraying in Staten Island will begin around 8:30 p.m. Monday and continue until around 6:00 a.m. Tuesday, while efforts in Brooklyn will begin next Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. and continue through Thursday. . Here are the neighborhoods on the city’s most recent list:
- Staten Island: Partes de Castleton Corners, Elm Park, Graniteville, Meiers Corners, Mid Island, Port Richmond, Randall Manor, Silver Lake, Sunnyside, Tompkinsville, Westerleigh, West New Brighton y Willowbrook
- Brooklyn: Partes de Bergen Beach, Brownsville, Canarsie, East Flatbush, East New York, Flatlands, Homecrest, Madison, Marine Park, Midwood, Mill Basin, New Lots, Remsen Village, Sheepshead Bay, Spring Creek y Starrett City.
Bad weather would delay the start of fumigations for Tuesday and Thursday nights, respectively.
Mosquito spraying is critical this time of year because insect resurgence could fuel the summer spread of mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile virus. The city uses trucks to spray residential areas and uses pesticides that pose little risk to humans and pets.
However, sensitive groups such as people with respiratory problems may be affected. Vulnerable people should stay indoors during the hours that crews are spraying when possible and close air conditioning vents if they can. They should also wash skin and clothing exposed to pesticides. That applies to fruits and vegetables that may also be exposed.
The most effective way to control mosquitoes, according to the City of New York, is to remove standing water. Here are some other ways to reduce your exposure:
- Use an approved insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (not for children under 3 years of age), or products that contain the active ingredient IR3535.
- Make sure windows have screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.
- Remove any standing water from your property and dispose of containers that can collect water. Failure to do so violates New York City health regulations.
- Make sure roof gutters are clean and drain properly.
- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Keep them empty or covered if not in use. Drain any water that collects on pool covers.
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