City To Spray For Mosquitoes In Northeast Queens Next Week

BAYSIDE, QUEENS — In its annual attempt to combat mosquitos, New York City is dousing Northeastern Queens in mosquito repellent next week, before this year's itchiest-season is in full swing.

The health department will send low-flying helicopters over Alley Pond Park, Kissena Park and the abandoned Flushing airport between 6 a.m. Tuesday June 1 and 7 p.m. Thursday June 3, weather permitting.

Only nonresidential areas, such as marshes and wetlands, will get sprayed with the larvicide this week.

The chemical, VectoMax® GS, is environmentally friendly and has been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, according to the health department.

And, according to the city's Health Commissioner, Dr. Dave A. Chokshi, not only is the "aerial larviciding" safe, but it also helps ensure that people stay better protected from mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile Virus.

Although no one has gotten the virus yet this season, according to the health department, New York City records cases of West Nile Virus almost every year, since it's one of the most mosquito-blighted parts of the United States.

To prevent mosquito bites, the Centers for Disease Control suggests using insect repellent that contain DEET, picaridin, ir3535, lemon eucalyptus oil, para-menthane-diol or 2-undecanone.

Other options include wearing long sleeves and pants, using air-conditioning or window and door screens, and replacing containers of standing water — including vases and pet bowls— weekly, since that's where the insects breed.

Here's where the aerial larviciding will happen in Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx: