After consultation with the New York State Department of Health, Nassau County will expand their mosquito control efforts to include aerial spraying within Nassau County to help control mosquitoes which may be carrying the West Nile virus.

Recent surveillance data has demonstrated an increased threat of West Nile virus. Experts from the New York State Department of Health have advised Nassau County that the risk to the public’s health warrants the application of adulticide to control mosquitoes in certain areas of the County. Nassau County will also continue our larvicide mosquito control program and remind residents to continue to take personal protective measures.

Where:

Areas to be sprayed by Plane:

• Northern boundary: Northern Boulevard (Rt. 25A) from the Queens line to Cedar Swamp Road (Rt. 107).  From Cedar Swamp Road south of Northern Boulevard (25A) to Jericho Turnpike (Rt. 25).  Jericho Turnpike (Rt. 25) to the Suffolk County line.

• Southern boundary: North of Sunrise Highway from the Queens border to the Wantagh State Parkway, excluding those areas previously addressed by ground spraying, and north of the Southern State Parkway from the Wantagh Parkway to the Suffolk County line.

• Eastern boundary: Suffolk County line.

• Western boundary:  Queens line.

When:

Aerial: Weather permitting, the planned schedule for aerial spraying will be on Wednesday August 11 beginning at 7 P.M. and ending at 5 A.M. and Thursday, August 12 beginning at 7 P.M. and ending at 5 A.M.  Based on weather conditions, spraying may continue next week.

Areas to be sprayed by truck:

Sections of Massapequa Park and East Massapequa

Sections of Glen Cove, Sea Cliff, Glenwood Landing, Glen Head and Old Brookville

When:

Ground Spraying: Wednesday August 11 beginning at 7 P.M. and ending at 5 A.M.

Alternate dates:  Thursday, Monday or Tuesday, August 12th, 16th or 17th.

What: Scourge is a pesticide containing resmethrin and piperonyl butoxide. Resmethrin is a man-made pyrethroid insecticide that can also be found in other pesticide products used indoors and on pets to control ticks and other insects, such as fleas and ants. Piperonyl butoxide does not directly kill insects on its own, but acts to increase the ability of resmethrin to kill insects. These active ingredients are dissolved in a petroleum solvent.

Health Effects: The chance of experiencing any health effects from the use of Scourge to control mosquitoes is quite low. As with any pesticide, individuals may want to reduce or eliminate exposure. Some particularly sensitive individuals may possibly experience short-term effects such as eye, skin, nose or throat irritation or breathing problems.

To Reduce Exposure: The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) do not require relocating or taking special precautions during mosquito control spraying. Individuals, especially pregnant women and children, should remain inside during the spraying and for about 30 minutes afterwards. In addition, individuals may minimize exposure by:

• Keeping windows and doors shut, setting air conditioners to re-circulate if able. Turn window fans off.
• Keeping children's toys indoors.
• Keeping pets indoors, as well as their food, water dishes and toys.
• Covering fishponds during the spray period.

Since the effects of the aerial and ground spraying dissipate in a few hours, it is not necessary to wash off outdoor furniture or playground equipment before use, although doing so will not diminish the effectiveness of the pesticide applied.

For additional information: Please call the West Nile Virus Spray Hotline at 1-888-844-8657, on the days that spraying is scheduled, between the hours of 9:00 AM and 10:00 PM or visit the Nassau County Department of Health website at  http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/Health/index.html.