DOH to Spray Pesticides Near Crown Heights

The Department of Health has issued a warning to residents in parts of Brooklyn, Staten Island and Manhattan to stay indoors Wednesday night between 8:30pm and 6:00am while they will be spraying pesticides to reduce the number of mosquitoes and minimize the risk of West Nile Virus.

To reduce mosquito activity and the risk of West Nile virus, the Health Department will spray pesticide from trucks in parts of Brooklyn, Manhattan and Staten Island on Wednesday, September 9, 2015 between the hours of 8:30pm and 6am the following morning, weather permitting.

In case of bad weather, application will be delayed until Thursday, September 10, 2015 during the same hours.

The Neighborhoods listed below are being treated due to rising West Nile virus activity and have high mosquito populations.

For these sprayings, the Health Department will use a very low concentration of Anvil 10+10, a synthetic pesticide. When properly used, this product poses no significant risks to human health. The Health Department recommends that people take the following precautions to minimize direct exposure:

• Whenever possible, stay indoors during spraying. People with asthma or other respiratory conditions are encouraged to stay inside during spraying since direct exposure could worsen these conditions.
• Air conditioners may remain on, however, if you wish to reduce the possibility of indoor exposure to pesticides, set the air conditioner vent to the closed position, or choose the re-circulate function.
• Remove children’s toys, outdoor equipment, and clothes from outdoor areas during spraying. If outdoor equipment and toys are exposed to pesticides, wash them with soap and water before using again.
• Wash skin and clothing exposed to pesticides with soap and water. Always wash your produce thoroughly with water before cooking or eating.

Reducing Exposure to Mosquitoes

• Consider limiting time outdoors between dusk and dawn in areas with significant mosquito infestations.
• Wear protective clothing when outdoors, and 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.