West Nile Spraying in Patchogue

The Suffolk County Department of Health announced it will be spraying an area of Patchogue and Holtsville Thursday from 8-11:30 p.m. to control adult mosquitoes.

The spraying will occur in an area of Patchogue and Holtsville that is boundaried by Sunrise Highway to the south, Waverly Avenue to the west, Old Medford Avenue to the east and the Ronkonkoma branch of the Long Island Rail Road to the north.

The pesticide, named Scourge (resmithrin) will be applied by air in an ultra-low volume aerosol method.

The Department of Health said there is a low risk of health effects from the spraying, but it recommends residents stay inside during and, up to 30 minutes after, the spraying. It is also recommended to bring in laundry and toys from outside and to close windows, doors and the vents of window air-conditioning units.

If residents should come into direct contact with the pesticide, they should rinse their eyes and skin. Clothes that come into contact with the spray should be washed separately from other clothes. Those that grow fruits or vegetables should harvest the ones that are ready to consume before the spraying. Pet foods and water dishes should be brought inside. Fish ponds should be covered to avoid direct exposure.

More information on mosquito spraying can be found at http://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/health.