Spraying for West Nile Virus Set for Wednesday Night

The Suffolk County Department of Public Works plans to treat sections of North , as well as West Babylon, for West Nile Virus on Wednesday, July 20.

The planned is set for 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., weather permitting, and it’s part of the department’s on-going annual to control adult mosquitoes, according to a release from the Suffolk County Department of Health Services (SCDHS) regarding the pesticide treatment.

Sites to be treated, according to the release, include:

• North and West Babylon “bounded on the north” by Herzel Boulevard.
• “On the east” by Little East Neck Road and Great East Neck Road.
• “On the south” by the Long Island Railroad.
• “On the west” by Straight Path, excluding wetlands and buffer areas adjacent to water.

These areas, according to the release, will be treated for with a pesticide called “scourge (resmethrin)” by ground spraying using an “ultra-low-volume aerosol” method.

For further information residents can contact the Suffolk County Division of Vector Control at 631-852-4270, call the Spraying Information Hotline at 631-852-4939 or click on the SCHDS website and click on mosquito spraying for .

The SCDHS has assured residents that “chances of experiencing any health effects from spraying are quite low,” but does recommend the following steps to reduce possible exposure to pesticides before, during or after spraying:

• Children and pregnant women should take care to avoid exposure when practical.
• If possible, remain inside or avoid the area whenever spraying takes place and for about 30 minutes after spraying.
• Close windows and doors, and close the vents of window air-conditioning units to circulate indoor air or, before spraying begins, turn them off. Windows and air-conditioning vents can be reopened about 30 minutes after spraying.
• If one comes in direct contact with pesticide spray, then protect one’s eyes.
• If one gets pesticide spray in one’s eyes, then immediately rinse them with water.
• Wash exposed skin.
• Wash clothes that come in direct contact with spray separately from other laundry.
• Consult a health care provider if experiencing health effects from spraying.

The SCDHS assured in the release that “materials used by Vector Control do not leave significant residues on surfaces, but exposure can be reduced even further.”

To that end, other steps the SCDHS has recommended include:

• Pick homegrown fruits and vegetables that will be eaten before spraying takes place.
• Rinse homegrown fruits and vegetables and all produce thoroughly with water before cooking or eating.
• Bring laundry and small toys inside before spraying begins. Wash with detergent and water if exposed to pesticides during spraying.
• Bring pet food and water dishes inside, and cover ornamental fishponds during the spray period to avoid direct exposure.