Mosquito Control
The Health Department monitors mosquito populations and applies pesticides during the summer. These methods reduce the number of mosquitoes and lessen the risk of mosquito-borne diseases, such as West Nile Virus.
Residents are required to eliminate standing water (PDF) from their property to help prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
The Health Department uses two methods of pesticide application:
- 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.
- Aerial Larviciding: Helicopters drop eco-friendly 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.
The Health Department follows City, State and Federal laws when applying pesticides. We do not accept requests for pesticide application.
Completed Events in 2023
No events have been completed yet in 2023.
Pesticide Safety
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).
If you are sensitive to pesticides or otherwise want to avoid 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.
Pesticides Used in 2023
The Health Department is using the below pesticide products during the 2022 mosquito season.
Adulticide Products
- Anvil 10 +10™
- Anvil 10 +10 Label (PDF) | Anvil 10 +10 Safety Data Sheet (PDF)
- DeltaGard™
- DeltaGard Label (PDF) | DeltaGard Safety Data Sheet (PDF)
- Duet™
- Duet Label (PDF) | Duet Safety Data Sheet (PDF)
- Merus® 3.0
- Merus 3.0 Label (PDF) | Merus 3.0 Data Sheet (PDF)
Larvicide Products
- VectoBac™
- VectoBac Label (PDF) | Vectobac Safety Data Sheet (PDF)
- VectoLex™
- VectoLex Label (PDF) | VectoLex Safety Data Sheet (PDF)
- VectoMax™
- VectoMax Label (PDF) | VectoMax Safety Data Sheet (PDF)
- VectoPrime™
- VectoPrime Label (PDF) | VectoPrime Safety Data Sheet (PDF)
Notifications
The Health Department alerts the public of a pesticide application at least 24 hours before the event. The City gives out fact sheets to community organizations and elected officials.
You can register to receive direct alerts through Notify NYC. You can also stay updated about pesticide application events by following the Health Department on Twitter or Facebook.
Additional Resources
- Comprehensive Mosquito Control Plan for 2023 (PDF)
- Comprehensive Mosquito Control Plan for 2022 (PDF)
- Mosquito Control — Environmental Review Technical Memorandum 2017 (PDF)
- Mosquito Control — Environmental Impact Statement 2001 (PDF)