Nassau County - Long Island, New York

August 28, 2013

Nassau County Ground Treatment By Truck For West Nile Virus Scheduled For
Thursday, August 29, 2013

Uniondale, NY - Based on the current mosquito trap data and consistent with the 2013 Nassau County Mosquito Control Plan, the Nassau County Departments of Health and Public Works have recommended that localized truck treatment of adulticide occur 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:

Thursday, August 29th, 8 PM through 4 AM –Sections of North Valley Stream, Valley Stream, Lawrence, Woodmere and Woodsburgh.  Adulticide application by truck will be conducted and bounded by the two following geographical areas:

Area 1: South of Dutch Broadway

           North of Merrick Road

           West of Corona Avenue

           East of the Queens border

Area 2:  South of Broadway

            North of the Coastline

            West of Woodmere Boulevard

            East of the Queens border

Alternate/Rain Dates:Tuesday, September 3, 2013.

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 Thursday, August 29th, 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 on the days that treatment is scheduled between the hours of 9:00 AM through Midnight. You may also visit the Nassau County Department of Health website at: http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/Health/index.html

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