Suffolk to spray for mosquitoes on Fire Island, in other communities

Suffolk County is planning ground spraying Tuesday, weather permitting, in its ongoing effort to control adult mosquitoes, health officials said.

Streets in the Fire Island villages of Davis Park and Point O'Woods are to be sprayed from 6 to 10 p.m. with the pesticide Anvil, officials said.

Streets in South Shirley, Mastic Beach and Old Mastic are to be sprayed with the pesticide Scourge from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m.

Besides being annoying, some mosquitoes' bites can transmit West Nile virus to people.

The chances of experiencing health effects from the ground spraying are "quite low," the health department said, but children and pregnant women should avoid exposure if possible by staying clear of the area during spraying and for at least 30 minutes after.

Among the "common-sense steps" the department suggests are closing doors, windows and air-conditioning vents during spraying and keeping them closed for 30 minutes afterward.

For details, call Suffolk's spraying information hotline at 631-852-4939 or visit nwsdy.li/sprayings.