Update: West Nile Treatment Rescheduled Due to Weather

Update: Tonight's truck treatment has been rescheduled to Tuesday, Sept. 17 due to inclement weather.

Original: To help combat the spread of West Nile virus, localized truck treatment of adulticide in targeted areas throughout the county, including the village of Garden City and sections of E. Garden City, begins Thursday evening at 8 p.m., according to the Nassau County Health Department.

Based on current mosquito trap data and consistent with the 2013 Nassau County Mosquito Control Plan, the Nassau County departments of Health and Public Works recommended the treatment based on the "persistent presence of West Nile virus and mosquito activity at these locations."

Weather permitting, treatment is as follows:

• 8 p.m. through 4 a.m. in sections of E. Garden City and Garden City, as well as Hempstead, Salisbury, Brookville, Greenvale, Roslyn, East Hills and Old Westbury

Adulticide application will be conducted and bounded by the two following geographical areas:

Area 1

• South of Old County Road
• North of Hempstead Turnpike
• West of Merrick Avenue
• East of Washington Avenue/Street

Area 2 

• South of Northern Boulevard (Route 25A)
• North of the Long Island Expressway
• West of Post Road/Wheatley Road/Whitney Lane
• East of Roslyn Road/Main Street

Tuesday, Sept. 17, is the rain date for treatment. 

According to the health department, Scourge is a pesticide containing resmethrin and piperonyl butoxide. Resmethrin is a manmade pyrethroid insecticide that can also be found in other pesticide products used indoors and on pets to control ticks and other insects, such as fleas and ants. Piperonyl butoxide does not directly kill insects on its own, but acts to increase the ability of resmethrin to kill insects. These active ingredients are dissolved in a petroleum solvent.

Though the chance of experiencing any effects from the use of Scourge to control mosquitoes is "quite low," the health department states that, as with any pesticide, individuals may want to reduce or eliminate exposure.

Individuals, especially pregnant women and children, should remain inside during the treatment and for about 30 minutes afterwards, health officials advise. Residents can also keep windows and doors shut, set air conditioners to re-circulate if possible, turn window fans off, keep pets and children's toys indoors and cover fishponds during the treatment period.

Since the effects of the ground treatment dissipate in a few hours, it is not necessary to wash off outdoor furniture or playground equipment before use, although doing so will not diminish the effectiveness of the pesticide applied.

For additional information call the West Nile Virus Treatment Hotline at 1-888-844-8657 on the days that treatment is scheduled between the hours of 9 a.m. through midnight or visit the Nassau County Department of Health website here.