Aquatic animals, including fish and frogs, are vulnerable, but the state does not give out permits to spray bodies of water. Anvil is likely toxic to most insects, Gillett said. The sensitivity of insects, and of fish, can vary tremendously, but extensive tests have not been done that would pin down which kinds are vulnerable, he said. That also minimizes the impact on many types of non-target insects, because they're simply not up and around at night. Scientists aren't just worried about a few dead bugs but beneficial insects, which eat pest species, pollinate plants and control pest insects, including mosquitoes.
Birds also depend on insects for food.
Studying new ways Of course, if spraying is only done once, other insect populations would also likely rebound quickly along with the mosquitoes, Gillett said. If spraying is done more often, the questions about its impact on human health and the environment also increases, Gillett said. Novick, the Onondaga County Health Commissioner, is leading a group of his colleagues from around the state to consider plans for fighting the virus next year. The result could mean more spraying, because it's likely that the virus is becoming more widespread. Certainly, Novick added, if people start getting the West Nile virus, it would be time to consider more pesticide spraying.