More mosquito spraying set for Fire Island

Suffolk County plans another round of pesticide spraying to treat mosquitoes that might carry the West Nile virus, beginning Thursday night on Fire Island, health officials said.

The health department said that "health effects from spraying" the two pesticides - sumithrin and resmethrin - are "quite low," but advised that common-sense steps should be taken to avoid exposure.

Here is the spraying schedule:

Thursday

The Fire Island communities of Fire Island Pines, Water Island and Ocean Bay Park, 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Friday

Smith Point County Park, Fire Island, in portions west of the parkway, the Flight 800 Memorial and the camping area, 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Children and pregnant women should "remain inside or avoid the area whenever spraying takes place and for about 30 minutes after spraying," the county said in a release.

To keep the pesticide from getting indoors, the release said, "Close windows and doors and close the vents of window air-conditioning units . . . before spraying begins. Windows and air-conditioning vents can be reopened about 30 minutes after spraying."

Outdoors, pick homegrown fruits and vegetables, if possible, before spraying. Bring laundry and all small toys indoors.

Also, officials said, pet food and water dishes should be brought inside, and ornamental fish ponds should be covered during the spray period.

If items are exposed to the pesticide, wash with soap and water. More information is at 631-852-4939 or at suffolkcountyny.gov/health.