Aug. 27, 2020 By Christian Murray
The city will begin spraying pesticides to keep the number of mosquitoes at bay in sections of Auburndale, Bayside, Bay Terrace, Beechhurst, College Point, Douglas Manor, Douglaston, Little Neck, Malba, and White Stone this evening.
The spraying will begin at around 8:30 p.m. Thursday night, and will continue until 6 a.m. Friday, according to the NYC Department of Health. The spraying might be delayed until Monday, Aug. 31 due to inclement weather.
The spraying will occur in parts of the 11356, 11357, 11358, 11359, 11360, 11361, 11362,
11363, and 11364 zip codes in an area that roughly goes from Flushing Bay to Little Neck Bay.
The health department says it will be spraying very low concentrations of Anvil® 10+10 and DeltaGard® from trucks to reduce mosquito activity and combat the risk of West Nile virus.
The pesticides present low risk to people and pets, but some people who are sensitive to spray ingredients may experience short term eye or throat irritation, or a rash, according to the agency. People with respiratory conditions may also be affected.
The DOH recommends area residents to stay indoors whenever possible during spraying, and that, while unnecessary, air conditioners be turned off.
Skin and clothing exposed to pesticides should be washed with soap and water, while fruits and vegetables should be washed with water.
For more information, visit the DOH’s page on mosquitoes.