Aerial spraying to occur in Bellmore, Merrick this week

The Nassau County Department of Health announced on Monday that aerial spraying to combat the West Nile Virus will be conducted in parts of Nassau County this week, including East Meadow, Salisbury, Bellmore and Merrick.
   
According to the health department, the decision to spray in more areas was prompted by recent surveillance data that showed an increased threat of the West Nile virus, typically carried by mosquitoes.
   
The spraying, to be administered by a plane, is scheduled to take place on Wednesday and Thursday from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. Spraying is to be done north of Sunrise Highway, from the Queens border to the Wantagh Parkway; north of the Southern State Parkway, from the Wantagh Parkway to the Suffolk County border; south of Northern Boulevard from the Queens border to Route 107; Route 107 south to Jericho Turnpike; and south of Jericho Turnpike to the Suffolk border. See map for spraying area.
   
Depending on weather conditions, the process could continue next week, health officials said.
   
According to the county health department, areas that have already been sprayed are excluded this time.

    The Nassau County Department of Health released important information pertaining to this week's spraying:

What is being sprayed?
    
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.

Any 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. Some particularly sensitive individuals may possibly experience short-term effects such as eye, skin, nose or throat irritation or breathing problems.

To Reduce Exposure
    
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) do not require relocating or taking special precautions during mosquito control spraying. Individuals, especially pregnant women and children, should remain inside during the spraying 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 spraying 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