Mosquito spraying set for Fire Island on Wednesday, Thursday

Suffolk County is planning ground spraying for adult mosquitoes Wednesday and Thursday on Fire Island, weather permitting, health officials said.

Streets in the villages of Water Island, Atlantique, Summer Club and Fire Island Pines are to be sprayed Thursday, with previously announced spraying in Ocean Bay Park, Seaview and Ocean Beach on Wednesday, both from 6 to 10 p.m. and using the pesticide Anvil, officials said.

Besides being annoying, some mosquitoes' bites can transmit West Nile virus to people.

The chances of experiencing health effects from the ground spraying are "quite low," the health department said, but children and pregnant women should avoid exposure if possible by staying clear of the area during spraying and at least 30 minutes after.

Among the "common-sense steps" the department suggests are closing doors, windows and air-conditioning vents during spraying and 30 minutes after.

For details, call Suffolk's spraying information hotline at 631-852-4939 or visit nwsdy.li/spraying.