Mosquito Control

During the summer, the Health Department places traps throughout the city to collect adult mosquitoes. Weekly testing helps track West Nile virus and detect the presence of other potential viruses, such as Eastern equine encephalitis, dengue, chikungunya, and Jamestown Canyon virus. At this time, only West Nile virus has been detected in NYC.

The Health Department uses two methods of pesticide application:

• Aerial Larviciding: Helicopters drop low-risk larvicide over marshes and other large natural areas to kill young mosquitoes before they become adults. The City does not use helicopters to treat residential areas.
• Adulticide: Trucks spray this pesticide to kill adult mosquitoes. It is used when testing has shown a high risk to human health. Spraying occurs in the evening in residential areas and parks.

The Health Department provides advance notification before dropping larvicide and spraying adulticide.

The Health Department follows City, State and Federal laws when applying pesticides. We do not accept requests for pesticide application.

Mosquito control events completed in 2025 will be listed here when West Nile virus season resumes.

• When used correctly, pesticides pose no significant health risks to people or their pets.
• No reported diseases in people or pets have been linked with the use of pesticides in West Nile virus control efforts since 1999.
• People who are sensitive to spray ingredients may get a rash or have short-term eye or throat irritation.
• If you have a stronger reaction to pesticides, call the NYC Poison Control Center at 212-POISONS (212-764-7667).
• To minimize pesticide exposure:
  • When possible, stay indoors during spraying. If you have asthma or other respiratory conditions, stay inside.
  • Set the air conditioner vent to the closed position or choose the recirculate function.
  • Outdoor equipment and toys that are exposed to the pesticides we use are not a significant health risk. There could be some residue for a short period of time. Although it is not necessary, you can wash the toys and equipment with soap and water.
  • Wash skin and clothing that have been exposed to pesticides with soap and water. Always wash your produce thoroughly with water before cooking or eating.

The Health Department is using the below pesticide products during the 2025 mosquito season.

Larvicide products are for use in catch basins and water bodies, while adulticide products are limited for targeted control of adult mosquitoes throughout the five boroughs as needed.

Adulticide Products

• Anvil 10 +10™
  • Anvil 10 +10 Label (PDF) | Anvil 10 +10 Safety Data Sheet (PDF)
• Duet™
  • Duet Label (PDF) | Duet Safety Data Sheet (PDF)
• Merus® 3.0 Pyrethins 5%
  • Merus 3.0 Label (PDF) | Merus 3.0 Data Sheet (PDF)

Larvicide Products

• VectoBac GS
  • VectoBac Label (PDF) | VectoBac Safety Data Sheet (PDF)
• VectoLex FG
  • VectoLex Label (PDF) | VectoLex Safety Data Sheet (PDF)
• VectoMax WSP
  • VectoMax Label (PDF) | VectoMax Safety Data Sheet (PDF)
• VectoPrime FG
  • VectoPrime Label (PDF) | VectoPrime Safety Data Sheet (PDF)
• Sumilarv
  • Sumilarv Label (PDF) | Sumilarv Safety Data Sheet (PDF)