West Nile Pesticide Spray Scheduled for Wednesday in RVC

Based on the current mosquito trap data, the Nassau County Departments of Health and Public Works have recommended that localized truck treatment of adulticide occur at targeted areas in the county.

The recommendation is based on the persistent presence of West Nile Virus activity at these locations. Weather permitting the current schedule for ground treatment by truck is as follows:

• Tuesday, Sept. 20, 7 p.m. - 2 a.m. — Sections of Farmingdale, South Farmingdale, North Massapequa, Plainedge, Bethpage, Old Bethpage, Plainview, Hicksville and Levittown.
• Wednesday, Sept. 21, 7 p.m. - 2 a.m. — Sections of Rockville Centre, Lynbrook, Malverne, Lakeview, Franklin Square and West Hempstead.
• Thursday, Sept. 22, 7 p.m. - 2 a.m. — Sections of West Hempstead, Valley Stream and North Valley Stream.
• Alternate Dates: Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 26 and 27.

Maps of the areas to be treated can be found on the Department of Health website.

What is Being Used: Scourge is a pesticide containing 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.

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

To Reduce Exposure: The US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYDEC) 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. In addition, individuals may minimize exposure by:

• Keeping windows and doors shut.
• Setting air conditioners to re-circulate if able. Turn window fans off.
• Keeping children's toys indoors.
• Keeping pets indoors, as well as their food, water dishes and toys.
• Covering fishponds during the spray period.

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, please call the West Nile Virus Treatment Hotline at 1-888-844-8657, on the days that treatment is scheduled, between the hours of 9 a.m. and midnight, or visit the Nassau County Department of Health website.