Following positive test results for mosquitoes carrying the West Nile Virus were and three other test sites, Nassau County announced that areas where the virus has been found will be treated with pesticides beginning Wednesday night.
According to the Nassau County Department of Health, weather permitting, the spraying will commence at 7 p.m. and continue through 2 a.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Monday in areas where the virus was found.
Wednesday spraying will occur in the areas of Old Westbury, Garden City, Albertson, Westbury, Salisbury, Carle Place, Williston Park, Roslyn Heights, East Garden City, East Williston and Mineola.
The two areas to be sprayed Wednesday are within the following borders:
- I.U. Willets on the North
- Old Country Road on the South
- Glen Cove Road on the East
- Willis Avenue on the West
Area 2:
- Westbury Avenue on the North
- Old Country Road on the South
- Post Avenue on the East
- Glen Cove Road on the West
On Thursday, sections of Salisbury, East Meadow, East Garden City, Garden City, Hempstead, and Uniondale will be spayed:
- Old Country Road on the North
- Hempstead Turnpike on the South
- Merrick Avenue on the East
- Washington Avenue on the West
On Monday, July 23, areas of Salisbury, East Meadow, East Garden City, New Cassel and Westbury will be treated:
- Maple Avenue to Union Avenue to Prospect Avenue on the North
- Hempstead Turnpike on the South
- Bond Street to Carman Avenue on the East
- Merrick Avenue to Post Avenue on the West
Alternate spray dates include July 24 and 25.
The Scourge pesticide being used contains 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.
Residents are advised to keep windows and doors shut, setting their air conditioners to a recrculate setting, as well as bringing all children's toys, pets, their food, water dishes and toys inside and to cover all fishponds and birdbaths during the spray period. Since the effects of the aerial and 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 mosquito, stagnant water or drainage problems, call the Nassau County Department of Public Works at 572-1166 weekdays from 7:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For additional information, call the West Nile Virus Spray Hotline at 1-888-844-8657 or visit the Nassau County Department of Health website at www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/health.
