By Gus Saltonstall
The majority of the Upper West Side will be sprayed with pesticides this week to help reduce mosquito activity and the risk of West Nile Virus.
The New York City Health Department will spray low concentrations of pesticides from trucks on Wednesday from around 59th to 178 streets, on both the west and east sides of Manhattan. The spraying is scheduled from around midnight through 6 a.m., according to the Health Department.
“Our surveillance gives us a neighborhood level picture of West Nile virus activity and helps us act where intervention can make a difference,” said NYC Health Commissioner Alister F. Martin, in a news release. “As we move through the latter part of mosquito season, we will continue using that information to guide our response. New Yorkers can do their part by staying mindful of mosquito bites when spending time outdoors.”
Specifically, the Health Department will spray Duet, which is an EPA-registered mosquito control product. According to the agency, “The risks of pesticides applied by the Health Department for mosquito control are low for people and pets. Individuals who are particularly sensitive to spray ingredients may experience temporary eye or throat irritation or a mild rash.”
Best practices during the spray process, especially for people with respiratory conditions, include:
- Stay indoors, whenever possible.
- Air conditioners can remain on. While unnecessary, you may wish to close air conditioner vents, or choose the recirculate function.
After spraying:
Will every single street be sprayed?