Ground Treatment for West Nile Virus Scheduled for Wantagh-Seaford

Based on the current mosquito trap data and consistent with the 2012 Nassau County Mosquito Control Plan, the Nassau County Departments of Health and Public Works have recommended that localized truck treatment of adulticide continue at targeted areas in the county. This recommendation is based on the persistent presence of West Nile virus and mosquito activity at these locations.

Weather permitting the current schedule for ground treatment by truck is as follows:

Tuesday, Aug. 14 - 8 p.m.-4 a.m. – Sections of Bethpage, Levittown, North Massapequa, Massapequa, Plainedge, North Wantagh, Seaford and Wantagh. Adulticide application by truck will be conducted and bounded by the following geographical area:

• Hempstead Turnpike on the North
• Southern State Parkway on the South
• Seaford Oyster Bay Expressway on the East
• Wantagh State Parkway on the West

Maps of the areas to be treated can be found on the Department of Health website.

Scourge is a pesticide containing resmethrin and piperonyl butoxide. Resmethrin is a man-made pyrethroid insecticide that can also be found in other pesticide products used indoors and on pets to control ticks and other insects, such as fleas and ants. Piperonyl butoxide does not directly kill insects on its own, but acts to increase the ability of resmethrin to kill insects. These active ingredients are dissolved in a petroleum solvent.

Health Effects: The chance of experiencing any health effects from the use of Scourge to control mosquitoes is quite low. As with any pesticide, individuals may want to reduce or eliminate exposure.

To Reduce Exposure: The US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYDEC) do not require relocating or taking special precautions during mosquito control treatment. Individuals, especially pregnant women and children, should remain inside during the treatment and for about 30 minutes afterwards. In addition, individuals may minimize exposure by:

• Keeping windows and doors shut, setting air conditioners to re-circulate if able. Turn window fans off.
• Keeping children's toys indoors.
• Keeping pets indoors, as well as their food, water dishes and toys.
• Covering fishponds during the spray period.

Since the effects of the ground treatment dissipate in a few hours, it is not necessary to wash off outdoor furniture or playground equipment before use, although doing so will not diminish the effectiveness of the pesticide applied. For additional information: Please call the West Nile Virus Treatment Hotline at 1-888-844-8657 or visit the Nassau County Department of Health website.

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