City To Spray Park Slope, Prospect Heights For Mosquitoes

BROOKLYN, NY — In its annual attempt to combat mosquitos, New York City will douse Brooklyn in repellent this week.

The Health Department announced Monday that they will conduct an "adulticide treatment" in two sections of the borough on Thursday.

The treatment will include trucks spraying pesticides between the hours of 8:30 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning in an effort to reduce mosquito activity and the risk of the West Nile virus, which has already been detected in 188 groups of mosquitoes across the five boroughs this year.

The Brooklyn treatment includes a section spanning over Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill, Gowanus, Greenwood Heights, Park Slope, Prospect Heights Gardens, Sunset Park, and Windsor Terrace.

The other section will cover Southern Brooklyn, including parts of Bergen Beach, Canarsie, Georgetown, Gerritsen Beach, Marine Park, Mill Basin, Mill Island, Paerdegat Basin, Sheepshead Bay, and Starrett City, according to the city.

The pesticides include very low concentrations of Anvil®, Duet®, or DeltaGard® and have low risk to people and pets. Still, health officials advise residents to sty indoors when possible during the treatments, which could cause short-term eye or throat irritation or a rash.

The treatment will be done on Monday, Aug. 30 if it is delayed by weather conditions.

Here are the full instructions from the Health Department:

To stay safe during spraying:

• Stay indoors, whenever possible.
• Air conditioners can remain on. While unnecessary, you may wish to close air conditioner vents, or choose the recirculate function.

After spraying:

• Wash skin and clothing exposed to pesticides with soap and water.
• Always wash fruits and vegetables with water.
• The most effective way to control mosquitoes is to eliminate any standing water. New Yorkers are also encouraged to mosquito-proof their homes and take precautions when spending time outdoors.

Reducing exposure to mosquitoes

• 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. Standing water is a violation of the New York City Health Code.
• 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.