Suffolk: Mosquito spraying set for salt marshes, Fire Island

Suffolk County is planning ground spraying Tuesday, weather permitting, for adult mosquitoes on Fire Island, as well as aerial spraying of salt marshes for mosquito larvae, health officials said.

County vector control is to spray salt marshes from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. by helicopter at a low altitude using the pesticide Altosid liquid concentrate, officials said.

County officials said residents don't need to take precautions, any human exposure is unlikely, and the pesticide has "no significant human toxicity," officials said.

Spraying is to be conducted in areas of the towns of Babylon, Islip, Brookhaven, Southampton, East Hampton, Riverhead and Southold.

The division of vector control can be reached at 631-852-4270.

Streets in the Fire Island villages of Davis Park and Point O'Woods are to be sprayed from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. with 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 bit.ly/1k1uOLZ