Suffolk plans mosquitoe spraying on Fire Island Thursday

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

Streets in the villages of Water Island, Atlantique, Summer Club and Fire Island Pines are to be sprayed from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. with the pesticide Anvil, officials said.

Previously announced is Wednesday's spraying from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. of all streets in the Fire Island villages of Ocean Bay Park, Seaview and Ocean Beach, also using the pesticide Anvil.

Also announced earlier is Wednesday's spraying from 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on all Oak Beach streets, other than in areas adjacent to wetlands, officials said. In this case, the pesticide Scourge is to be used.

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.