Following multiple requests by Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D – Howard Beach) to combat mosquito breeding and West Nile virus in communities plagued by frequent flooding and multiple abandoned properties in the wake of Superstorm Sandy, the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) has announced plans to conduct sprayings in southern Queens communities not included among scheduled sprayings. The spraying campaign, scheduled for September 1st, will include the neighborhoods of Howard Beach, Hamilton Beach and Lindenwood.

“For too long, families in southern Queens have been forced to endure growing mosquito populations each time summer rolls around,” said Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder. “This plague threatens our quality of life and increases the risk of deadly West Nile virus, especially for families still struggling from Sandy. I applaud Commissioner Bassett and the Health Department for taking a proactive approach to combatting mosquito breeding by agreeing to spray in the community.”

According to information provided to Assemblyman Goldfeder, the agency will conduct mosquito sprayings on Tuesday, September 1st between the 8:30 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning. In Queens, targeted neighborhoods will include Howard Beach, Hamilton Beach, Lindenwood, Ozone Park and Woodhaven. The sprayings are part of the city’s ongoing efforts to reduce mosquito activity and the risk of West Nile virus, the release states. In the event of rain, spraying will occur on September 2nd.

For the truck-borne spraying, the Health Department will use a low concentration of Anvil® 10+10, a synthetic pesticide. While the agency asserts the product poses no significant health risk, it recommends families take precautions to minimize direct exposure. This includes staying indoors during spraying, removing children’s toys and outdoor equipment from outdoor areas, and setting air conditioner vents to the closed position or switching units to the re-circulate function.

This announcement comes after Goldfeder called on the agency to include zip code 11414 – encompassing Howard Beach, Hamilton Beach and Lindenwood – in the agency’s 2015 West Nile virus Spray & Aerial Larviciding Schedule. In two letters sent in May and July to DOHMH Commissioner Dr. Mary Travis Bassett, Goldfeder emphasized the frequent nuisance posed by mosquito populations in communities surrounding Jamaica Bay. Goldfeder also raised concerns over the spread of West Nile virus in communities faced with regular flooding and multiple Sandy-abandoned properties where standing water encourages mosquito breeding.

In response to the Assemblyman’s correspondence, the agency scheduled for the Assemblyman to meet with DOHMH Assistant Commissioner Mario Merlino, who heads Veterinary and Pest Control Services at the agency’s Division of Environmental Health. At the time, Goldfeder urged the agency to review its placement of West Nile virus testing sites throughout southern Queens and Rockaway and encouraged the agency to consider engaging the public at local civic associations to better inform the community about West Nile virus and mosquito spraying campaigns.

“No one in our community should have to fear West Nile while they’re out enjoying an evening barbeque with family and friends. With Labor Day just around the corner, the Health Department’s announcement couldn’t have come at a better time,” concluded Goldfeder.

(YWN Desk – NYC)