Mosquito spraying planned for Thursday in Valley Stream

Nassau County will be spraying for mosquitoes in Valley Stream and North Valley Stream on Thursday, Aug. 29. Weather permitting, the spraying will take place by a ground treatment truck between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m.

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 this treatment of adulticide. This recommendation is based on the persistent presence of West Nile virus and mosquito activity at these locations.

The boundaries for the treatment area are Dutch Broadway on the north, Merrick Road on the south, Corona Avenue on the east and the Queens border the west. The rain date is Tuesday, Sept. 3.

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

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, turning window fans off, keeping children's toys indoors, keeping pets indoors, as well as their food, water dishes and toys, and covering fishponds.

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, call the West Nile Virus Treatment Hotline at (888) 844-8657 on the day that treatment is scheduled between 9 a.m. and midnight, or visit the Nassau County Department of Health website.