Ground Treatment for West Nile Virus

Sections of East Massapequa, North Massapequa, Massapequa, Massapequa Park, Lakeview, Lynbrook, North Lynbrook, Rockville Centre, Malverne, Malverne Oaks, South Hempstead and West Hempstead.  Adulticide application by truck will be conducted and bounded by the two following geographical areas:

Area 1:  Jerusalem Ave on the North Merrick Rd on the South Cartwright Blvd to Broadway on the East Hicksville Rd on the West

Area 2:  Southern State Parkway on the North Peninsula Blvd to Lakeview Ave on the South Long Beach Rd on the East Hempstead Ave on the West.

Alternate/Rain Dates:  Wednesday, July 25th and Tuesday, July 31st.

Maps of the areas to be treated can be found on the Department of Health web site at:  http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/Health/index.html

When: Weather permitting, the planned schedule for ground treatment will be on Thursday, July 26th beginning at 7 P.M. and ending no later than 2 A.M.

What: 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 on the days that treatment is scheduled between the hours of 9:00 AM through Midnight. You may also visit the Nassau County Department of Health website at:  http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/Health/index.html