Suffolk plans aerial, ground mosquito spraying in Fire Island, other areas

Suffolk County is planning to conduct ground spraying Wednesday on Fire Island 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. in Ocean Bay Park, Seaview and Ocean Beach, the health department said.

The county's public works division also plans aerial spraying Thursday from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. of areas of Greenlawn, Elwood and East Northport, using the pesticide Scourge, officials said.

Already announced is ground spraying Tuesday with the pesticide Anvil of all streets in Davis Park and Point O'Woods on Fire Island, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., health officials said.

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

Learn more at Suffolk's spraying information hotline 631-852-4939, as well as suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/HealthServices.aspx