The city plans to spray pesticides on a wide swath of Brooklyn this week to curb mosquito activity and reduce the risk of West Nile virus.
Trucks will be spraying pesticides on Thursday, Sept. 4, between 8:30pm and 6:00am the following morning, weather permitting. If rain gets in the way, the work will be pushed to Monday, Sept. 8.
Spraying will take place in sections of Boerum Hill, Borough Park, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Flatbush, Greenwood Heights, Kensington, Little Caribbean, Little Haiti, Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Prospect Park South, South Slope, Sunset Park and Windsor Terrace.
The treatment area is bordered by Gowanus Expressway and 3rd Avenue to the west, Atlantic Avenue, Franklin Avenue and Empire Boulevard to the north, Albany Avenue to the east and Church Avenue, Dahill Road, 18th Avenue plus 50th Street to the south.
Zip codes affected include 11203, 11204, 11215, 11217, 11218, 11219, 11220, 11225, 11226, 11232 and 11238.
The Health Department states that it will use very low concentrations of Anvil, Duet or MERUS 3. Although the risk to people and pets is low, those with respiratory conditions or sensitivities may experience short-term irritation.
How to stay safe during spraying:
- Stay indoors as much as possible.
- Keep air conditioners on; you may close vents or use the recirculate setting.
After spraying:
- Wash skin and clothes exposed to the spray.
- Rinse fruits and vegetables before eating.
- Eliminate standing water around your home to stop mosquitoes from breeding.
Reducing everyday exposure:
- Use insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (not for kids under 3), or IR3535.
- Repair window screens and keep them closed.
- Keep gutters clean and pools or tubs chlorinated and covered if not in use.
- Report standing water to 311 or at nyc.gov/health/wnv.
Officials are also reminding residents that eliminating standing water and using repellent are the best protections against West Nile virus.
