Sept. 16, 2022 By Christian Murray
The city will begin spraying pesticides to keep the number of mosquitos at bay in parts of western Queens on Sept. 20.
The spraying—which aims to reduce mosquito activity and the risk of the West Nile virus—will begin at around 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday night and will continue until 6 a.m. the following day, according to the NYC Department of Health.
The spraying, which will be from trucks, will largely take place in sections of Astoria and Woodside in the 11101, 11103, 11105, 11369, 11370 and 11377 zip codes.
The area roughly spans from Steinway Street to the Brooklyn Queens Expressway, and from Luyster Creek to Northern Boulevard.
On Thursday Sept. 22, a number of areas in the Rockaways will be sprayed, including sections of Arverne, Arverne by The Sea, Bayswater, Belle Harbor, Edgemere, Far Rockaway, Hammels, Neponsit and Rockaway Park. The spraying will begin at 8:30 p.m. and will continue into Sept. 23 until 6 a.m.
The health department says it will be spraying very low concentrations of Anvil® or Duet® in these areas from trucks.
The pesticides present low risk to people and pets, but some people who are sensitive to spray ingredients may experience short term eye or throat irritation, or a rash, according to the agency. People with respiratory conditions may also be affected.
The DOH recommends area residents to stay indoors whenever possible during spraying, and that, while unnecessary, air conditioners may be turned off.
The agency also says, while unnecessary, that outdoor toys and equipment can be washed down with soap and water after spraying. Skin and clothing exposed to pesticides should be washed with soap and water, while fruits and vegetables should be washed with water.
For more information, visit the DOH’s page on mosquitoes.