To reduce mosquito activity and the risk of West Nile virus, the New York City Health Department will conduct its first aerial larviciding treatment of the season to marshes and wetland areas in all five boroughs.
The helicopter will treat only nonresidential areas from Monday, June 2 through Wednesday, June 4, between the hours of 6:00am and 7:00pm, weather permitting. In Brooklyn, Fresh Creek Park and Marine Park will be targeted, according to the map provided by the Health Department.
“As summer approaches, many of us will be swarmed by mosquitoes as we spend more time outdoors,” said Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse. “While most mosquitoes across the city do not carry disease, it is still essential to keep New Yorkers safe from any mosquito-borne illnesses. Throughout the summer, the Health Department will be conducting mosquito control events so New Yorkers can enjoy their time outdoors.”
Mosquitoes are mainly active in New York City in April through October. The NYC Health Department monitors mosquitoes that carry the West Nile virus. To date, no human cases of West Nile virus have been reported this season.
During warm weather, mosquitoes can breed in any still water that has been standing for more than five days. In the targeted areas, existing hot and wet weather conditions can cause a rise in mosquito populations. Due to size and limited accessibility, 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, the Health Department will use larvicides to kill young mosquitoes before they grow into adults. VectoBac® GS contains naturally occurring bacteria and will be used for this application. The product has been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation 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. New Yorkers are encouraged to mosquito-proof their homes and take precautions when spending time outdoors.
In case of bad weather, the application will be delayed until Thursday, June 5, Friday, June 6, and Monday, June 9, during the same hours, weather permitting.
