In /*Bergen Beach*/ where they have parks used by many children, and marshlands nearby, the spraying is welcomed.
"It's pretty scary actually, he has bites all over him, the baby," said Galit Barzilay, a parent.
With her concern and few good mosquito bites on her son Isaac, Galit Barzilay says she will be prepared for the spraying.
"We have to be very careful. We have to put everything inside. The baby toys and all that kind of stuff," Barzilay said.
The spraying began Thursday night and will last until 6 a.m. Friday.
It will stretch from /*Mill Basin*/ out to /*Spring Creek*/ along the shore and in several communities just north of that.
With many children enjoying city parks like McGuire, youth organizers have also been concerned about mosquitoes and the West Nile Virus.
"Before the kids' game they would spray the kids down, in the middle of the kids' game they would spray the kids down. We've been experiencing this for a long time," said Paul Curiale, administrator.
With a letter and even a petition, Paul Curiale who heads the Bergen Beach Youth Organization was encouraging health officials to spray because this park is bordered by large sections of marshland where mosquitoes can breed.
"I think this is going to benefit us all. Not only for the safety of these kids but our seniors," Curiale said.
During the spraying, it's advised you stay indoors, especially if you have a respiratory condition.
Air conditioners can remain on, but try to recirculate the cool air.
Remove children's' toys from outdoors, and wash skin and clothing that might be exposed to pesticides.
"The good news is these have been used for decades in communities and they haven't seen health risks. They've done studies in communities where this has taken place. They can't even find pesticides in people's bodies, they break down that quickly," Dr. Richard Besser said.
Word about the spraying was spreading quickly through neighborhoods.
"Are you taking precautions?" Eyewitness News asked.
"Oh absolutely. Stay indoors. When they tell me they are spraying, I'm in," said Ann Levine, an area resident.
For these sprayings, the Health Department will use a very low concentration of Anvil®, 10 + 10 a synthetic pesticide. When properly used, this product poses no significant risks to human health. The Health Department recommends that people take the following precautions to minimize direct exposure:
- Whenever possible, stay indoors during spraying. People with asthma or other respiratory conditions are encouraged to stay inside during spraying since direct exposure could worsen these conditions.
- Air conditioners may remain on, however, if you wish to reduce the possibility of indoor exposure to pesticides, set the air conditioner vent to the closed position, or choose the re-circulate function.
- Remove children's toys, outdoor equipment, and clothes from outdoor areas during spraying. If outdoor equipment and toys are exposed to pesticides, wash them with soap and water before using again.
- Wash skin and clothing exposed to pesticides with soap and water. Always wash your produce thoroughly with water before cooking or eating.
Reducing Exposure to Mosquitoes
- Consider limiting time outdoors between dusk and dawn in areas with significant mosquito infestations.
- Wear protective clothing when outdoors, and use an approved insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (not for children under three), or products that contain the active ingredient IR3535.
- Make sure windows have screens and repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.
- Eliminate any standing water from your property and dispose of containers that can collect water. Standing water is a violation of the New York City Health Code.
- Make sure roof gutters are clean and draining properly.
- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Keep them empty or covered if not in use; drain water that collects in pool covers.
- Report standing water by calling 311 or visiting nyc.gov/health/wnv.
To see the areas in New York City slated for spraying please visit: http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/wnv/wnvspray.shtml
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