Queens To Get Mosquito Spraying Aug. 29 And 31: City DOH

QUEENS, NY — Fall might be around the corner, but mosquitos, especially those with the West Nile virus, are not a thing of the past.

The city Department of Health will spray the northern and eastern parts of Queens next Monday and Wednesday from 8:30 p.m. and 6 a.m. or on next Tuesday and Thursday at the same time period, in case of bad weather.

The truck pesticide treatment will be at ZIP codes 11354, 11355, 11358, 11365 and 11368 within the neighborhoods of Auburndale, Corona, Downtown Flushing, East Flushing, Flushing, Murray Hill, Queensboro Hill and Willets Point on Monday, according to the DOH.

The boundaries for the spraying will be by 37th Avenue, Grand Central Parkway, Northern Boulevard to the north; Utopia Parkway to the east; Long Island Expressway to the south; and Junction Boulevard to the west.

ZIP codes 11004, 11005, 11040, 11361, 11362, 11363, 11364, 11365, 11366, 11423, 11426 and 11427 within the neighborhoods of Alley Park, Bayside, Bellaire, Bellerose Manor, Douglas Manor, Douglaston, Fresh Meadows, Floral Park, Glen Oaks, Hollis Hills, Holliswood, Little Neck, Oakland Gardens, and Queens Village, will having sprayings on Wednesday.

The boundaries in eastern Queens include 39th Avenue and Little Neck Bay to the north; the Queens-Nassau County boundary and Langdale Street to the east; Hillside Avenue to the south; 188th Street, Union Turnpike, 185th Street, Long Island Expressway and Clearview Expressway to the west.

Very low concentrations of Anvil 10+10, Duet or MERUS 3 pesticides will be applied for mosquito control and the DOH warns people sensitive to spray ingredients that they might experience short-term eye or throat irritation or a rash. The spraying will also be problematic for people with respiratory conditions, but the low levels risks are low for people in general and pets, the agency noted.

If possible, the agency wants people to stay indoors during the spraying and air conditioners can remain on, but those that wish to recirculate or close their AC vents may do so, according to the DOH.

Individuals exposed to pesticide should wash their skin and clothing with soap and water or any fruits and vegetables from their gardens with water, the agency added.

The most effective way for New Yorkers to reduce exposure to pesky mosquitoes is to eliminate any standing water near their homes and take precautions when spending time outdoors. Repellent like DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (not for those under 3) or products containing IR3535 could help, the DOH said.

Screens without holes on windows, disposing containers that collect water, cleaning roof gutters and draining them properly and cleaning and chlorinating swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs, as well as covering them when not in use will help, the agency added.

People can report standing water by calling 311 or by visiting nyc.gov/health/wnv. For more information about the West Nile virus, also call 311 or visit nyc.gov.