Nassau County - Long Island, New York

September 11, 2012

Ground Treatment for West Nile Virus Continues on September 12th

Note:  September 13th Treatment Canceled

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:

Wednesday, September 12th, 8 PM through 4 AM – Sections of Greenvale, Glen Cove,

Glen Head, Glenwood Landing, Old Brookville, Roslyn, Roslyn Harbor, and Sea Cliff.  Adulticide application by truck will be conducted and bounded by the following geographical area:

Landing Road to Forest Avenue on the North

Walnut Road to Cedar Swamp Road to Glen Cove Road on the East

Northern Boulevard on the South

Hempstead Harbor on the West

Nassau County has canceled the September 13th ground treatment for West Nile virus for sections of East Massapequa, Massapequa, Massapequa Park, and Seaford.  Nassau County Departments of Health and Public Works will continue their mosquito control efforts by inspecting breeding sites, and when indicated ground treatment will be conducted to control mosquitoes that may be infected with West Nile virus.

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 Wednesday, September 12th 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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