To reduce mosquito activity and the risk of West Nile virus, the City’s health department is conducting its first aerial larviciding treatment of the mosquito season on marshes and wetland areas of The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island on Thursday, June 8, Friday, June 9, and Monday, June 12, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., weather permitting.

 

City officials said the helicopter will treat only nonresidential areas. While two days are allotted for the aerial larviciding, the application may be completed in less time. In case of bad weather, application will be delayed to Tuesday, June 13, to Thursday, June 15, during the same hours.

 

“For many of us, the warm weather is the perfect time to be outdoors, connecting with nature and friends,” said the City’s health commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. “To make your time outside safer, and more enjoyable, the health department will carry out mosquito control events throughout the season to protect from mosquito-borne illnesses.”

 

The health department monitors mosquitoes that carry the West Nile virus. To date, City officials said no human cases of West Nile virus have been reported this season. During warm weather, they said mosquitoes can breed in any still water that has been standing for more than five days. In the targeted areas, City officials said existing hot and wet weather conditions can cause a rise in mosquito populations.  Due to size and limited accessibility, they said these areas will be treated using a low-flying helicopter.

 

For the aerial application in marshes and wetland areas of The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island, City officials said the health department will use larvicides to kill young mosquitoes before they grow into adults. VectoBac® GS and VectoPrime® FG contain naturally occurring bacteria and will be used for this application, they said. These products have been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation according to City officials and will be used on mosquito breeding grounds throughout the mosquito season.

 

The most effective way to control mosquitoes is to eliminate any standing water City officials said. New Yorkers are encouraged to mosquito-proof their homes and take precautions when spending time outdoors.

 

Tips for Reducing Exposure to Mosquitoes

• Use an approved insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (not for children under three), or products that contain the active ingredient IR3535.
• Make sure windows have screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.
• Eliminate any standing water from your property and dispose of containers that can collect water. Maintaining standing water is a violation of the New York City Health Code.
• Make sure roof gutters are clean and draining properly.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Keep them empty or covered if not in use. Drain water that collects in pool covers.
• Wear lightweight and light-colored long pants and shirts when in marshy areas as possible.

 

Report standing water by calling 311 or visiting nyc.gov/health/wnv. For more information about West Nile virus, call 311 or visit nyc.gov.

 

In response to a concern from a resident about the sprays used and questions over their potential effect on the environment and on people’s health, we followed up with the City’s health department.

 

A spokesperson replied, saying, “The Health Department uses VectoBac® GS and VectoPrime® FG to reduce young mosquitoes and prevent the spread of West Nile virus. These products are safe for non-target organisms, including other insects, and do not harm pollinators, nor does it cause respiratory illnesses in humans.”

 

The spokesperson added, “However, West Nile virus can lead to severe illness and even death. The Health Department recognizes the importance of biodiversity in our environment and carefully considers the products we use to control mosquitoes.”