August 14, 2012

Ground Treatment for West Nile Virus to Continue
in Nassau County

 

Uniondale, NY - Based on the current mosquito trap data and consistent with the 2012 Nassau County Mosquito Control Plan, the Nassau County Departments of Health and Public Works have recommended that localized truck treatment of adulticide continue at targeted areas in the County. This recommendation is based on the persistent presence of West Nile virus and mosquito activity at these locations.

Weather permitting the current schedule for ground treatment by truck is as follows:

Tuesday, August 14th, 8 PM through 4 AM – Sections of Bethpage, Levittown, Massapequa, North Massapequa, North Wantagh, Plainedge, Seaford, and Wantagh.   Adulticide application by truck will be conducted and bounded by the following geographical area:

Hempstead Turnpike on the North

Southern State Parkway on the South

Seaford Oyster Bay Expressway on the East

Wantagh State Parkway on the West

Wednesday, August 15th, 8 PM through 4 AM – Sections of Bellrose, Bellrose Terrace, Elmont Floral Park, Franklin Square, Garden City, Garden City Park, Garden City South, Lynbrook, North Lynbrook, Malverne, Malverne Oaks, New Hyde Park, North New Hyde Park, Stewart Manor, South Floral Park, Valley Stream, North Valley Stream, and West Hempstead.  Adulticide application by truck will be conducted and bounded by the following geographical area:

Jericho Turnpike on the North

Elmont Road to Dutch Broadway to Franklin Avenue on the South

Nassau Boulevard to Hempstead Avenue on the East

Queens County line on the West

Thursday, August 16th, 8 PM through 4 AM – Sections East Massapequa, Massapequa, Massapequa Park, North Massapequa, North Wantagh, Seaford, and Wantagh.  Adulticide application by truck will be conducted and bounded by the following geographical areas:

Area 1:

Southern State Parkway on the North

Merrick Road on the South

Hicksville Road (Rt 107) to Jerusalem Avenue to the Massapequa Preserve on the East

Wantagh State Parkway on the West

Area 2:

Southern State Parkway on the North

Merrick Road on the South

County Line Road on the East

Cartwright Boulevard to Broadway to Jerusalem Avenue to the Massapequa Preserve

 on the West

Maps of the areas to be treated can be found on the Department of Health web site at: http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/Health/index.html

When: Weather permitting, the planned schedule for ground treatment will be on Tuesday, August 14th, Wednesday, August 15th and Thursday, August 16th beginning at 8 PM and ending no later than 4 AM.

What: Scourge is a pesticide containing resmethrin and piperonyl butoxide. Resmethrin is a man-made pyrethroid insecticide that can also be found in other pesticide products used indoors and on pets to control ticks and other insects, such as fleas and ants. Piperonyl butoxide does not directly kill insects on its own, but acts to increase the ability of resmethrin to kill insects. These active ingredients are dissolved in a petroleum solvent.

Health Effects: The chance of experiencing any health effects from the use of Scourge to control mosquitoes is quite low. As with any pesticide, individuals may want to reduce or eliminate exposure.

To Reduce Exposure: The US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYDEC) do not require relocating or taking special precautions during mosquito control treatment. Individuals, especially pregnant women and children, should remain inside during the treatment and for about 30 minutes afterwards. In addition, individuals may minimize exposure by:

  • Keeping windows and doors shut, setting air conditioners to re-circulate if able. Turn window fans off.
  • Keeping children's toys indoors.
  • Keeping pets indoors, as well as their food, water dishes and toys.
  • Covering fishponds during the spray period.

Since the effects of the ground treatment dissipate in a few hours, it is not necessary to wash off outdoor furniture or playground equipment before use, although doing so will not diminish the effectiveness of the pesticide applied.

For additional information:

 Please call the West Nile Virus Treatment Hotline at 1-888-844-8657 or visit the Nassau County Department of Health website at: http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/Health/index.html

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