Health Department to prevent West Nile Virus with pesticide spray in Eastern Queens

/
The NYC Health Department will spray parts of Eastern Queens with pesticides beginning on Aug. 6 in order to reduce mosquito activity and the risk of West Nile Virus. Images courtesy of the NYC Health Department.

The NYC Health Department will spray parts of Eastern Queens with pesticides beginning on Aug. 6 in order to reduce mosquito activity and the risk of West Nile Virus. Images courtesy of the NYC Health Department.

By Jonathan Sperling

The NYC Health Department will spray pesticides in parts of Eastern Queens in the overnight hours between Aug. 6 and Aug. 7 in order to reduce mosquito activity and the risk of West Nile Virus.

Low concentrations of Anvil 10+10 and/or DeltaGard will be dispensed from trucks in parts of Bellerose Manor, Douglaston, Glen Oaks and Little Neck. The approximate boundaries of the spraying are Cross Island Parkway to the west; Northern Boulevard to the north; Little Neck Parkway, Long Island Expressway, Hewlett Street; Queens-Nassau County Boundary, Lakeview Road and Langdale Street to the east; and, Hillside Avenue to the south.

The spraying will occur beginning Tuesday between the hours of 8:30 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning, weather permitting. In case of bad weather, spraying will be delayed until Aug. 7 or Aug. 8.

Pesticide will also be deployed in parts of Auburndale, Bay Terrace, Beechhurst, Clearview, College Point, Fort Totten, Linden Hill, Malba, and Whitestone. The approximate boundaries are Flushing Bay to the west; East River to the north; Little Neck Bay to the east; and 28th Avenue, Bell Boulevard, 26th Avenue, Utopia Parkway, Crocheron Avenue, Northern Boulevard, 150th Street, Willets Point Boulevard, 25th Avenue and Whitestone Expressway to the south.

The pesticide is of low risk to people and pets, according to the Health Department, however people who are sensitive to spray ingredients may experience short-term eye or throat irritation, or a rash. People with respiratory conditions may also be affected.

To avoid adverse reactions, the Health Department recommends people stay indoors during the spraying. Air conditioners can remain on. It is also recommended that residents eliminate any standing water on their property, as this can act as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.