Spraying Scheduled for West Nile Virus

LIMITED GROUND SPRAYING FOR WEST NILE VIRUS
TO BEGIN IN TARGETED AREAS OF NASSAU COUNTY
After consultation with the Nassau County Department of Health, the Nassau County Department of Public Works will begin ground spraying in parts of 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 truck will include sections of the following communities: Massapequa, Merrick, Freeport, Roosevelt, Valley Stream, North Valley Stream, Elmont, Seaford, Wantagh and North Massapequa. The ground spraying will be conducted within a one-mile radius of our mosquito surveillance trap. The areas of detail are included in the attached maps.


When: Weather permitting, the planned schedule for truck spraying is as follows:


Sections of Massapequa, Massapequa Park and North Massapequa: Tuesday, August 3rd, 7 pm – 12 am.

Alternate dates: Wednesday, Thursday, or Monday, August 4th, 5th or 9th, 7 pm – 12 am.

GROUND SPRAYING BY TRUCK HAS BEEN COMPLETED IN THE MASSAPEQUA AREA


Sections of Merrick, North Merrick, Freeport and Roosevelt: Wednesday, August 4th, 7 pm – 12 am.

Alternate dates: Thursday, Monday or Tuesday, August 5th, 9th or 10th, 7 pm – 12 am.


Sections of Valley Stream, North Valley Stream, Franklin Square and Elmont: Thursday, August 5th, 7 pm – 12 am.

Alternate dates: Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday, August 9th, 10th or 11th, 7 pm – 12 am.


Sections of Wantagh, North Wantagh, Levittown, Seaford and North Massapequa: Monday, August 9th, 7 pm – 12 am.

Alternate dates: Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, August 10th, 11th or 12th, 7 pm – 12 am.


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. (Material data sheet)

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:

Keep 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.
Cover fishponds during the spray period.
Since the effects of the 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 4:00 P.M. and 12:00 am or visit the Nassau County Department of Health website at www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/health/ or the Nassau County website at www.nassaucountyny.gov/