Suffolk plans ground spraying for mosquitoes Wednesday

Suffolk County is planning ground spraying Wednesday, weather permitting, as part of its ongoing mosquito control effort, health officials said Tuesday.

Streets in the Fire Island villages of Ocean Bay Park, Seaview and Ocean Beach are to be sprayed from 6 to 10 p.m. with the pesticide Anvil, officials said.

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

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 at least 30 minutes after.

Among the "common-sense steps" the department suggests are closing doors, windows and air-conditioning vents during spraying and 30 minutes after.

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