Health Department to Conduct First Aerial Larviciding of the 2023 Mosquito Season - NYC Health

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Health Department to Conduct First Aerial Larviciding of the Mosquito Season to Marshes and Other Nonresidential Areas of the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island

Aerial larviciding reduces the number of mosquitoes and minimizes the risk of mosquito-borne disease

The Health Department applies EPA-approved pesticide to mosquito breeding grounds when appropriate throughout the season

June 2, 2023 — To reduce mosquito activity and the risk of West Nile virus, the Health Department will conduct its first aerial larviciding treatment of the season to marshes and wetland areas of the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island from Thursday, June 8 to Friday, June 9 and Monday, June 12, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., weather permitting. The helicopter will treat only nonresidential areas. While two days are allotted for the aerial larviciding, the application may be completed in less time. In case of bad weather, application will be delayed until Tuesday, June 13 to Thursday, June 15, 2023 during the same hours.

“For many of us, the warm weather is the perfect time to be outdoors, connecting with nature and friends,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. “To make your time outside safer, and more enjoyable, the Health Department will carry out mosquito control events throughout the season to protect New Yorkers from mosquito-borne illnesses.”

The Health Department monitors mosquitoes that carry the West Nile virus. To date, no human cases of West Nile virus have been reported this season. During warm weather, mosquitoes can breed in any still water that has been standing for more than five days. In the targeted areas, existing hot and wet weather conditions can cause a rise in mosquito populations. Due to size and limited accessibility, these areas will be treated using a low-flying helicopter.

For the aerial application in marshes and wetland areas of the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island, the Health Department will use larvicides to kill young mosquitoes before they grow into adults. VectoBac® GS and VectoPrime® FG contain naturally occurring bacteria and will be used for this application. These products have been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and will be used on mosquito breeding grounds throughout the mosquito season.

The most effective way to control mosquitoes is to eliminate any standing water. New Yorkers are encouraged to mosquito-proof their homes and take precautions when spending time outdoors.

Reducing exposure to mosquitoes

Use an approved insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (not for children under three), or products that contain the active ingredient IR3535.

Make sure windows have screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.

Eliminate any standing water from your property and dispose of containers that can collect water. Maintaining standing water is a violation of the New York City Health Code.

Make sure roof gutters are clean and draining properly.

Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Keep them empty or covered if not in use. Drain water that collects in pool covers.

Wear lightweight and light-colored long pants and shirts when in marshy areas.

Report standing water by calling 311 or visiting nyc.gov/health/wnv. For more information about West Nile virus, call 311 or visit nyc.gov.

Map of Aerial Larviciding Areas

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MEDIA CONTACT: Patrick Gallahue/Shari Logan

PressOffice@health.nyc.gov