Suffolk To Spray For Mosquitoes In Mastic Beach And Shirley Monday

MASTIC BEACH, NY — The Suffolk County Department of Public Works on Monday will treat sections of Mastic, Mastic Beach, and South Shirley as part of its ongoing annual effort to control adult mosquito populations.

The sites slated for treatment include all streets south of Alcolade Drive West, Chanel Drive East and Mastic Road to Riverside Avenue and south to the bay, including the Smith Point County Park and Campground.

The method of treatment is ground spraying with the ultra-low volume aerosol pesticide, Anvil or Sumithrin.

The spraying will take place from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m.

For more information, call Suffolk County's Division of Vector Control at 631-852-4270, or the spraying information hotline at 631-852-4939. Spray Notices can be found at https://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/News.

For those unsure if their landline phone is included in the Suffolk Alert system to receive notifications via cell phone, text messaging, or e-mail, contact: https://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/FRES/Office-of-Emergency-Management/suffolkalert-notifications.

While the chances of experiencing any health effects from spraying are quite low, common sense steps will help reduce possible exposure to pesticides before, during or after spraying.

Steps you should take:

• Children and pregnant women should take care to avoid exposure. 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 you come in direct contact with pesticide spray, protect your eyes. If you get pesticide spray in your eyes, immediately rinse them with water. Wash exposed skin. Wash clothes that come in direct contact with spray separately from other laundry.
• Consult your healthcare provider if you think you are experiencing health effects from spraying.

Steps you may want to take because the materials used by Vector Control leave residue on surfaces:

• Pick homegrown fruits and vegetables you expect to eat soon before spraying takes place.
• Rinse homegrown fruits and vegetables (in fact all produce) thoroughly with water before cooking or eating.
• Bring laundry and small toys inside before spraying begins.
• If exposed, wash with detergent and water.
• Bring pet food and water dishes inside, and cover ornamental fishponds during the spray period to avoid direct exposure.