Spraying Of South Fork Marshes Continues This Week To Control Mosquitoes: Officials

WESTHAMPTON, NY — The Suffolk County Department of Public Works’ Division of Vector Control plans to treat parts of South Fork marshes by helicopter to control mosquito larvae.

Should weather conditions prevent completion of the work, it will be continued on the next suitable day, the Suffolk County Department of Health Services said.

The spraying will continue through August 28 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Spraying will be done by low altitude helicopter, granular pellet application; the pesticides used are called VectoPrime FG [Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) and Altosid (Methoprene)] EPA# 73049-501. Marshes that will be treated are marked “Yes” Marshes marked as "pending" will be rechecked and added, as required.

The products used by Vector Control are registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and are applied in accordance with the required state and federal permits, officials said.

No precautions are recommended to prepare for the spraying, as the helicopter will be flying at a very low level over marsh areas and taking other precautions to control drift into inhabited areas. Human exposure from the operation is unlikely and the products involved have no significant human toxicity, officials said.

For current and future notices and/or further information:

• Suffolk County Division of Vector Control 631-852-4270
• Click here.