To reduce mosquito activity and the risk of West Nile virus, the New York City Health Department will conduct its first aerial larvicide treatment of the season in swamps and wetlands in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island.
This will take place from Tuesday June 21 through Thursday June 23 from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm, weather permitting. The helicopter will treat non-residential areas only. Three days have been allotted for this treatment, but the application may be completed in less time. In case of bad weather, the application will be delayed until Friday, June 24 and from Monday, June 27 to Tuesday, June 28, 2022, at the same time.
“As we head into summer, we’re keeping New Yorkers safe from mosquito-borne diseases through vigilance, targeted application of insecticides where mosquito larvae grow, and, when necessary, insecticide spraying to eliminate infected adult mosquitoes,” said Health Commissioner Dr Ashwin. Vasan. “New Yorkers should protect themselves by wearing insect repellant when outdoors, especially in swampy areas, and be sure to dispose of standing water or report standing water conditions to 3-1-1.”
The Department of Health monitors the mosquitoes that transmit West Nile virus. To date, no human cases of West Nile virus have been reported this season.
During warm weather, mosquitoes can breed in any standing water that has been standing for more than five days. In selected areas, existing hot and humid weather conditions may cause an increase in mosquito populations. Due to size and limited accessibility, these areas will be covered by low-flying helicopter. The locations of aerial larvicides are identified in the Aerial Larvicide Advisory for June 21-23 here.
For aerial application in swamps and wetland areas in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island, the Health Department will use larvicides to kill young mosquitoes before they become adults. VectoBac® GS and VectoPrime® FG contain natural bacteria and will be used for this application. These products have been approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and will be used at mosquito breeding sites during mosquito season.
The most effective way to control mosquitoes is to remove standing water. New Yorkers are encouraged to mosquito-proof their homes and take precautions when spending time outdoors.
Reduce exposure to mosquitoes
- Use an approved insect repellant that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (not for children under three 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. Standing water is a violation of the New York City Health Code.
- 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.
- Wear long pants and lightweight, light-colored shirts when in swampy areas as much as possible.
Report standing water by calling 311 or visiting nyc.gov/health/wnv.
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