Nassau County, NY - August 7, 2014 - Based on the current mosquito trap data and consistent with the 2014 Nassau County Mosquito Control Plan, the Nassau County Departments of Health and Public Works have recommended that localized truck treatment of adulticide occur at targeted areas in the County. This recommendation is based on the persistent presence of West Nile virus and mosquito activity at these locations.
Weather permitting the current schedule for ground treatment by truck is as follows:
Thursday, August 7th, 8 PM through 4 AM –Sections of Bethpage, Hicksville, Levittown, Plainedge, Plainview, Farmingdale and Old Bethpage. Adulticide application by truck will be conducted and bounded by the following four geographical areas:
Area 1: North of Hempstead Turnpike
South of Old Country Road
East of Jerusalem Avenue
West of Seaford Oyster Bay Expressway
Area 2: North of Hempstead Turnpike and Conklin Street
South of Old Country Road
East of Seaford Oyster Bay Expressway
West of the Suffolk County Line
Tuesday, August 12th, 8 PM through 4 AM –Sections of New Cassel, Salisbury, Westbury, East Meadow, Hicksville and Levittown.
Area 3: North of Hempstead Turnpike
South of Maple, Union, Prospect Avenues and Old County Road
East of Post Avenue/Merrick Avenue
West of Bond Street and Carmen Avenue
Area 4: North of Hempstead Turnpike
South of Old Country Road
East of Carmen Avenue
West of Jerusalem Avenue
Alternate/Rain Dates:Wednesday, August 13th, 8 PM through 4 AM.
Maps of the areas to be treated can be found on the Department of Health website.
When: Weather permitting; the planned schedule for ground treatment will be on Thursday, August 7th and Tuesday, August 12th beginning at 8 PM and ending no later than 4 AM.
What: 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 1-888-694-9836 on the days that treatment is scheduled between the hours of 9:00 AM through 11:00 PM. You may also visit the Nassau County Department of Health website.