Ground Spraying For Mosquitoes Kicks Off In Mastic, Shirley

MASTIC-SHIRLEY, NY — Ground spraying for adult mosquitoes is set to kick off in parts of Mastic and Shirley, according to the Suffolk County Department of Health Services.

If weather permits, the Suffolk County Department of Public Works plans to treat sections of the communities as part of their ongoing annual efforts to control adult mosquitoes.

The treatments for vector control — ground spraying, ultra low volume aerosol with duet, or sumithrin and prallethrin — are slated to take place Monday from 7 p.m. to midnight in Mastic, Mastic Beach and South Shirley.

Locations include all streets south of Alcolade Drive W, Chanel Drive E and Mastic Road to Riverside Avenue and south to the bay, including the Smith Point County Park and Campground, the county said.

For additional notices call the Suffolk County Division of Vector Control at 631-852-4270 or the Spraying Information Hotline at 631-852-4939.

For spray notices, click here. Residents who are not sure if their land line phone is included in the CodeRED system or who wish to receive notifications via cell phone, text messaging or e-mail, click here.

Although chances of experiencing any health effects from spraying are quite low, the following common sense steps will help reduce possible exposure to pesticides before, during or after spraying, county officials said.

Steps to take:

Children and pregnant women should take care to avoid exposure when practical. If possible, remain inside or avoid the area whenever spraying takes place and for about 30 minutes after spraying. Close windows and doors and close the vents of window air-conditioning units to circulate indoor air or, before spraying begins, turn them off. Windows and air-conditioning vents can be reopened about 30 minutes after spraying. If you come in direct contact with pesticide spray, protect your eyes. If you get pesticide spray in your eyes, immediately rinse them with water. Wash exposed skin. Wash clothes that come in direct contact with spray separately from other laundry. Consult a health care provider if you think you are experiencing health effects from spraying.

Steps you may want to take:

The materials used by vector control do not leave significant residues on surfaces, but exposure can be reduced even further. Pick homegrown fruits and vegetables you expect to eat soon before spraying takes place. Rinse homegrown fruits and vegetables, or all produce, thoroughly with water before cooking or eating. Bring laundry and small toys inside before spraying begins. Wash with detergent and water if exposed to pesticides during spraying. Bring pet food and water dishes inside, and cover ornamental fishponds during the spray period to avoid direct exposure.

Patch file photo.