Ground Treatment for West Nile Virus Scheduled

The Nassau County Department of Health will be conducting ground treatment in the area for West Nile Virus Tuesday.

The treatment is due to the high numbers of mosquitoes, presence of West Nile virus and large quantities of standing water following this summer's unprecedented rainfall.

On Sept. 20 from 7 p.m. through 2 a.m. sections of Farmingdale, South Farmingdale, North Massapequa, Plainedge, Bethpage, Old Bethpage, Plainview, Hicksville and Levittown will be treated. Maps of the areas to be treated can be found on the Department of Health website.

The treatment is composed of Scourge, 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.

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. Some particularly sensitive individuals may possibly experience short-term effects such as eye, skin, nose or throat irritation or breathing problems.

The US Environmental Protection Agency and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation 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 aerial 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 call the West Nile Virus Hotline at 1-888-844-8657.