Mosquito spraying set for Tuesday, Wednesday in Suffolk

Suffolk County plans to spray areas on Fire Island today to control the adult mosquito population, health officials said.

Ground spraying with the pesticide Anvil is planned, weather permitting, from 6 to 10 p.m. Wednesday in Ocean Bay Park, Seaview and Ocean Beach, officials said.

Ground spraying took place Tuesday from 6 to 10 p.m. in Davis Park and Point O'Woods.

Besides being annoying, some mosquitoes' bites transmit West Nile virus to humans. Mosquitoes pick up the virus by feeding on infected birds.

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

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

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