Mosquito Spraying Effectiveness Disputed

Today is the last day that the New York City Health Department will spray for mosquitos. The pesticides are designed to reduce the risk of New Yorkers transmitting mosquito-borne illnesses, such as the Zika Virus and the West Nile Virus. Spraying will take place in Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and the Bronx. 

Some are skeptical of the Health Department's method of mosquito spraying. Thomas Daniels, co-director of the Vector Ecology Lab at the Louis Calder Center, says the process the city uses to spray for mosquitoes overlooks smaller bodies of stagnant water. This includes places like flower pots and tires. Daniels suggests New Yorkers do their part to protect against mosquito-borne illnesses. That means repairing or replacing broken screens, turning on the air conditioning instead of opening a window, and wearing bug spray regularly.

Mosquito spraying is only one part of New York City's fight against the Zika Virus. In April, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a three year plan designed to combat the Zika Virus. The city is expected to dedicate 14 million dollars to the plan, in addition to 7.4 million dollars in state support.