Health Department to Spray Pesticide to Reduce the Number of Mosquitoes and the Risk of West Nile Virus in Selected Parts of Brooklyn

August 20, 2012 -- To reduce mosquito activity and the risk of West Nile virus, the Health Department will spray pesticide from trucks in parts of Brooklyn on Thursday, August 23, between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. the next morning, weather permitting. In case of bad weather, application will be delayed until Monday, August 27 during the same hours. These neighborhoods are being treated due to rising West Nile virus activity with high and/or increasing mosquito populations. The areas to be treated appear below.

Locations of Application

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.

Neighborhoods Boundaries Zip Codes

Parts of Canarsie, East Flatbush, Flatlands, Georgetown, Marine Park, Mills Island, Mills Basin, Paerdegat Basin, Spring Creek and Starrett City

Bordered by Linden Blvd, Rockaway Parkway; Ralph Ave , Flatlands Ave and Greenwood Road to the North; Nostrand Ave and Gerritsen Ave to the West; Belt Parkway to the South; and Spring Creek and 78 Street to the East

Parts of the following zip codes:

11207, 11208, 11210, 11229, 11234, 11236, 11237

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 DEET, picaridin, 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.