Nassau announces mosquito-spray schedule

Based on current mosquito trap data, Nassau County's Health and Public Works departments announced yesterday a schedule for localized truck-spraying of adulticide — a product used to reduce adult mosquitoes — to occur at targeted areas in the county.

According to the health department, the recommendation is based on the persistent presence of West Nile virus activity at these locations. Weather permitting the current schedule for truck spraying is as follows:

Tuesday, Sept. 20, from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. – sections of Farmingdale, South Farmingdale, North Massapequa, Plainedge, Bethpage, Old Bethpage, Plainview, Hicksville and Levittown.

Wednesday, Sept. 21, from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. – sections of Rockville Centre, Lynbrook, Malverne, Lakeview, Franklin Square and West Hempstead.

Thursday, Sept. 22, from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. – sections of West Hempstead, Valley Stream and North Valley Stream.

Alternate Dates: Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 26 and Sept. 27.

Aerial spraying to control the mosquito problem was initially planned by the county to begin on Sept. 12 — starting with the Nassau/Suffolk border to the Seaford Oyster Bay Expressway and continuing through Sept. 14 — but was postponed after the federal government imposed a no-fly zone over the area during the 9/11 weekend and beyond.

According to the health department, the chance of experiencing any health effects from the county's planned truck-spraying is low. However, as with any pesticide, individuals may want to reduce or eliminate exposure, the department said.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation 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.

Additionally, individuals can minimize exposure by keeping windows and doors shut, and setting air conditioners to re-circulate, if possible, during the spray period. Window fans should also be turned off; pets, their dishes, food and toys should be kept indoors; children's toys should be kept indoors; and fishponds should be covered during the spray period.

According to the health department, 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.