Mosquito Spraying Coming To Manhattan Next Week; See Where

NEW YORK CITY – The New York City Health Department will conduct mosquito spraying in parts of Manhattan next week to reduce the risk of West Nile virus, which has been found in all five boroughs this summer.

Pesticide application is scheduled to take place on the evening of Monday, Aug. 26, from 8:30 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning. In the event of rain or other weather, the trucks will spray on Tuesday, Aug. 27.

Where's It Happening?

Low concentrations of pesticides such as Anvil 10+10, Duet, or MERUS 3 will be applied to all of Central Park, much of the the Upper East Side west of 2nd Avenue, the entirety of Harlem west of 2nd avenue, and all of Washington Heights and Inwood.

The area to be sprayed does include Riverside Park north of 96th Street. However, only a slice of the Upper West Side, between 96th and 110th Streets, will be sprayed.

What To Do

While the Health Department says that the risks to humans and pets are low, residents are advised to stay indoors during the spraying. People with respiratory conditions may be affected, and those who are sensitive to spray ingredients could experience short-term eye or throat irritation, or a rash.

To minimize exposure, residents should close windows and consider using the recirculate function on air conditioners.

To avoid mosquitoes, the Health Department recommends all New Yorkers:

Use an approved insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (not for children under 3), or products that contain the active ingredient IR3535.

Make sure windows have screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.

Eliminate any standing water from your property and dispose of containers that can collect water.

Make sure roof gutters are clean and draining properly.

Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs. Keep them empty or covered if not in use. Drain water that collects in pool covers.

Standing water is a violation of the city’s health code, and may be reported to 311.

West Nile Virus

The majority of people (8 out of 10) infected with West Nile virus do not develop any symptoms, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Those who do develop symptoms may experience a fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash.

The vast majority of those infected with West Nile virus recover completely, according to the CDC.