Suffolk to spray South Shore areas for mosquitoes

Suffolk County plans another round of pesticide spraying this week to treat mosquitoes, mostly on the South Shore, including Fire Island and Heckscher State Park, 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:

Tuesday

Wednesday

Half Hollow Hills (between Old Country Road, Burrs Lane, Ryder Avenue and Deer Park Avenue), 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., resmethrin.

Heckscher State Park (and surrounding areas in Great River and East Islip, between Champlin Creek, the Long Island Rail Road, Connetquot River and on the Great South Bay) 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., resmethrin.

Thursday

Smith Point Park recreation area on Fire Island west of the parkway, 6 a.m. - 9 a.m., sumithrin.

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

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.