Spraying for West Nile Virus in Queens, Staten Island, this Tuesday

Health Department Will Spray Pesticide
to Reduce Adult Mosquito Populations

Spraying scheduled for parts of Queens and Staten Island to help prevent West Nile Virus

To reduce mosquito activity and the risk of West Nile virus, the Health Department will spray pesticide from trucks in the following parts of Queens and Staten Island on Tuesday, August 24, between 8:00 P.M. and 6:00 A.M the following morning, weather permitting. In case of bad weather, spraying will be delayed until the night of Wednesday, August 25, during the same hours.

West Nile Virus has been detected in mosquitoes in New York City this season and five human cases have been identified. Information on West Nile Virus surveillance is available at www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/wnv/wnvrrs.shtml.

Locations of Application on Tuesday, August 24, 2010, between the hours of 8:00 P.M. and 6:00 A.M. the following morning:
Borough: Queens
Neighborhood: Parts of Pomonok, Queensboro Hill, Kissena Park, Murray Hill, Fresh Meadows, Flushing Cemetery and St Mary’s Cemetery

Boundaries: Bordered by 188 Street, Long Island Expressway, Utopia Parkway to the East; 46 Avenue, Parsons Boulevard, 45 Avenue, Kissena Boulevard, Elder Avenue, Main Street, Dahlia Avenue, Blossom Avenue, College Point Boulevard, and Crommelin Street to the North; Booth Memorial Avenue and Main Street to the West; and Jewel Avenue to the South

Zip Code: 11355, 11358, 11365, 11367

Borough: Staten Island
Neighborhood: Parts of Midland Beach, New Dorp Beach
Boundaries: Bordered by Lower New York Bay to the East; Seaview Avenue to the North; Richmond Road; and Amboy Road to the West; and Nelson Avenue and Great Kills Harbor to the South
Zip Code: 10304, 10305, 10306, 10308

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, but 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. But 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.

The use of pesticides in New York City is conducted in accordance with guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). A complete Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is available at www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/wnv/feis.shtml.