City To Spray Wash Heights, Inwood To Combat West Nile Virus Risk

UPPER MANHATTAN, NY — Parts of Upper Manhattan will be the only area of the borough sprayed with pesticides on Tuesday in an effort to reduce mosquito activity and the risk of West Nile Virus.

The NYC Health Department will spray very low concentrations of Anvil, Duet and DeltaGard pesticides on Aug. 24 between 8:30 p.m. and 6 a.m. weather permitting. In case of bad weather, the application will be delayed to the next day.

Parts of Fort George, Hamilton Heights, Hudson Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Sherman Creek, and Sugar Hill will be sprayed, according to the Health Department.

Specifically, the pesticides will be sprayed in an area bordered by the Hudson River to the west, Spuyten Duyvil Creek to the north, Harlem River to the east, and Macombs Place, West 150th Street to the south.

Here's how the Health Department says to best keep safe from the pesticides:

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 risks of pesticides applied by the Health Department for mosquito control are low to people and pets," reads a news release from the Health Department. "Some people who are sensitive to spray ingredients may experience short-term eye or throat irritation, or a rash. People with respiratory conditions may also be affected."

The Health Department did not specify why uptown was the only part of the borough getting sprayed, but there is far more parkland uptown than any other part of Manhattan.

Areas of the Bronx will also get sprayed on Tuesday to reduce the risk of the West Nile Virus.

Experts say the most effective way to control mosquitoes is to eliminate any standing water.