NYC Sprays South Brooklyn After 100 West Nile-Positive Mosquito Pools Detected

3 articles · Updated · BK Reader · Aug 18

New York City is carrying out two overnight mosquito-control treatments in south Brooklyn this week, with one completed Aug. 17 and another scheduled for Aug. 19.
Health officials ordered the spraying after surveillance found increased West Nile virus activity, elevated adult mosquito populations and 60 positive mosquito pools in the first treatment area and 40 in the second.
Trucks will apply low concentrations of Duet—an EPA-registered pesticide—from 8:30 p.m. to 6 a.m., with the city weighing infection rates, weather, population density and nearby parks before treating.
Risks to people and pets are considered low, though sensitive residents could have temporary irritation and people with respiratory conditions may choose to stay indoors during spraying.
Officials also urged residents to use EPA-registered repellents and remove standing water from containers, gutters and pools to reduce mosquito breeding and bite exposure.