New York City treating wetlands, marshes to prevent Zika, West Nile mosquitoes

NEW YORK (WABC) -- As part of the mosquito control program, the New York City Department of Health conducting its first aerial larvicide application operation to marsh and other non-residential areas.

The operation are taking place on parts of Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx through Saturday, May 14, between the hours of 6 a.m. and 7 p.m., weather permitting. While three days are allotted for this activity, the application may be completed in less time.

The health department monitors mosquitoes that carry the West Nile virus and could carry the Zika virus and applies pesticides to their breeding grounds when appropriate throughout the summer. During warm weather, mosquitoes can breed in any still water standing for more than four days. In the targeted areas, existing hot and wet weather conditions are predicted to escalate a rise in mosquito populations. Due to their size and limited accessibility, these areas will be treated using a low-flying helicopter.

The most effective way to control mosquitoes is to eliminate any standing water. New Yorkers are also encouraged to mosquito-proof their homes and take precautions when spending time outdoors.

The health department will be using naturally occurring and environmentally-friendly larvicides to kill infant mosquito eggs before they grow into adults.

Reducing Exposure to Mosquitoes:

--Use an approved insect repellent containing picaridin, DEET, 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.

Locations of Application

Staten Island

Arlington, Old Place, Howland Hook -- Goethals North -- Marsh areas bounded by South Avenue to the east; former North Shore Railroad to the north; Arthur Kill Channel to the west; and Staten Island Expressway to the south

Bloomfield -- Corporate Park North -- Marsh areas bound by Graham Avenue and Felton Street to the east; Goethals Road North to the north; Gulf Avenue to the west; and Teleport Drive and Edward Curry Avenue to the south

Chelsea, Bloomfield -- Saw Mill Marsh North -- Marsh areas bounded by Chelsea Road to the east; River Road to the north; Arthur Kill Channel to the west; and Sawmill Creek to the south

Chelsea, Bloomfield -- Saw Mill Marsh -- Marsh areas bounded by South Avenue to the east; Edward Curry Avenue, Chelsea Road and River Road to the north; Pralls River to the west; Meredith Avenue, Chelsea Road and South Avenue to the south

Chelsea, Bloomfield -- Corporate Park -- Marsh areas bounded by south Avenue to the east and south; Edward Curry Avenue to the north; and Chelsea Road and Bloomfield Avenue to the west

Chelsea -- Chelsea East -- Marsh areas bounded by Victory Boulevard to the east; South Avenue and Travis Avenue to the North; Chelsea Road to the west; and Meredith Avenue to the south

Chelsea , Travis -- Chelsea -- Marsh areas bounded by Victory Boulevard to the east; Meredith Avenue, Chelsea Road, South Avenue, and Travis Avenue to the north; Arthur Kill Channel to the west; and Wild Avenue and Victory Boulevard to the south

Fresh Kills -- Fresh Kills -- Marsh areas bounded by Richmond Avenue to the east; Main Creek to the north; West Shore Expressway to the west; and Arthur Kill Road to the south

Fresh Kills, Richmond Town -- La Tourette -- Marsh areas bounded by Richmond Hill Road to the east; Forest Hill Road to the north; Richmond Avenue to the west; and Arthur Kill Road to the south

Port Mobile -- Port Mobile -- Marsh and wetland areas bounded by Arthur Kill Road to the east; Arthur Kill Channel to the north and the west; and Outerbidge Crossing to the south

Wolfes Pond Park -- Wolfes Pond Park -- Marsh areas bounded by Staten Island Railway to the north; Luten Avenue, Cornelia Avenue and Chisholm Street to the east; Holton Avenue to the west; and Boardwalk Avenue to the south

Blue Heron Park -- Blue Heron Park -- Marsh areas bounded by Hylan Boulevard to the south; Amboy Road to the north; Barclay Avenue to the east; and Arbutus Avenue to the west

South Beach -- South Beach -- Marsh areas bounded by Seaview Avenue to the west; Father Capodonna Boulevard to the south; Mason Avenue to the North; and Quintard Street and Sand Lane to the east

Old Town -- Old Town -- Marsh areas bounded by Zoe Street to the north; Stobe Avenue, Rowan Avenue and Graham Boulevard to the west; Father Capodonna Boulevard to the south; and Naughton Avenue and Seaview Avenue to the east

Clove Lake Park -- Clove Lake Park -- Marsh areas bounded by Forest Avenue to the north; Clove Road to the east; Brookside Avenue and Royal Oak Road to the east; and Victory Boulevard to the south

Brooklyn

Marine Park -- Marine Park -- Marsh areas bounded by Avenue U to the north; Gerritsen Avenue to the west; Belt Parkway to the south; and Flatbush Avenue to the east

Fresh Creek Basin -- Fresh Creek -- Marsh areas bounded by Louisiana Avenue to the east, East 108th Street to the west; Stanley Avenue to the north; and Belt Parkway to the south

Queens

Alley Pond Park -- Alley Creek -- Marsh areas inside Alley Pond Park; areas bounded by Grand Central Parkway to the south; Northern Boulevard to the north; Douglaston Parkway and 240th Street to the east, Cross Island Parkway and East Hampton Boulevard to the west

Linden Hill/College Point -- Abandoned Flushing Airport -- Marsh areas bounded by Whitestone Expressway to the east; 20th Avenue to the north; 130th Avenue and Ulmer Street to the west; and Ulmer Street and 28th Street to the south

Edgemere, Somerville -- Dubos Point and Edgemere Park -- Marsh areas bounded by Norton Basin to the east; Mott Point to the north; Grass Hassock Channel to the west; and Beach 65th Street, De Costa Avenue and Almeda Avenue to the south

Brookville Park -- Brookville Park -- Marsh areas bounded by Rockaway Boulevard to the south; 149th Avenue (to 225th Street), 148th Avenue (to 230th Street) and 147th Avenue (to 235th Street) to the north; 150th Road to the west; and Huxley Street to the east

Kissena Park -- Kissena Park -- Marsh areas bounded by Booth Memorial Avenue to the south; 164th Street to the east; Oak Avenue and Rose Avenue to the north; and Kissena Boulevard to the west

The Bronx

Pelham Bay Park North -- Pelham Bay North -- Marsh areas bounded by Amtrak Railroad to the east; New England Thruway to the north; and the Hutchinson River to the west and south

Pelham Bay Park South -- Pelham Bay South -- Marsh areas bounded by Erskine Place to the north and west; and Pelham Bay Parkway and Hutchinson River to the south and east