Queens

Bye Bye Mosquitoes: NYC Is Spraying These Boroughs on Tuesday

New York City residents are required to eliminate standing water from their property to help prevent mosquitoes from breeding

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Mosquitoes be warned: New York City says your days are numbered.

The city's health department is spraying two boroughs on Tuesday with adulticide, a pesticide used to kill adult mosquitoes. Officials are targeting neighborhoods in Queens and Staten Island this week.

Crews will begin spraying around 8:30 p.m. and go until around 6 a.m. Wednesday. Here are the neighborhoods on the city's list:

  • (Queens) Bayside, Bay Terrace, Beechhurst, and Whitestone.
  • (Staten Island) Arrochar, Dongan Hills, Grant City, Midland Beach, New Dorp, New Dorp Beach, Old Town, South Beach.

Because bugs and insects come back during the summer, spraying helps to reduce the number of mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile virus.

The city uses trucks to spray residential areas. The risk of pesticides applied are low to people and pets.

However, sensitive groups, such as people with respiratory issues may be affected. To ensure everyone remains safe, the Health Department has provided tips for during and after the application.

During the hours that crews will be spraying, people are encouraged to stay indoors whenever possible and close air conditioner vents if possible.

The city advices after the spraying window people should wash any skin and clothing exposed to pesticides.

New Yorkers are also encouraged to mosquito-proof their homes and take precautions when they are outside the home.

In the event of bad weather, spraying will be delayed until Wednesday, July 27.

For more information, visit NYC’s health topics site.

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