L&M Publications
Merrick Life • Bellmore Life • Freeport-Baldwin Leader • Wantagh-Seaford Citizen

Nassau County is expanding its mosquito control efforts after consultation with the state Department of Health to include aerial spraying within the 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 state’s Department of Health have advised the 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. Areas to be sprayed by plane include:

• 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: to the Suffolk County line.
• Western boundary: to Queens line. Weather permitting, the planned schedule for aerial spraying will be  tonight, August 11, from 7 p.m.-5 a.m., and Thursday, August 12, from 7 p.m.-5 a.m. Based on weather conditions, spraying may continue next week. Areas to be sprayed by truck include sections of Massapequa Park and East Massapequa; and sections of Glen Cove, Sea Cliff, Glenwood Landing, Glen Head and Old Brookville. Ground spraying will take place tonight, August 11, from 7 p.m.-5 a.m. Alternate dates include Thursday, Monday or Tuesday, August 12, 16 or 17. 

The pesticide 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. 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 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the 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 recirculate 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 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 information call the West Nile Virus Spray Hotline at 1-888-844-8657, on the days that spraying is scheduled, from   9 a.m.-10 p.m. Or click here www.nassaucountyny.gov.