County Launches Aerial Mosquito Control In Brookhaven

Low-flying helicopters will be deployed over marshes throughout Brookhaven Town this week as Suffolk County launches an aerial operation targeting mosquito larvae.

The Suffolk County Department of Public Works’ Division of Vector Control plans to conduct the treatments between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., Aug. 25 through Aug. 28, weather permitting.

Marshes scheduled for treatment include Smith Point, Bellport Bay, Grove Avenue, Pine Neck Avenue along the Swan River, Roe Avenue near Mud Creek, Hedges Creek and Lyman Marsh.

Additional Brookhaven locations, including Mastic Beach, Moriches–Crystal Brook, Fireplace Neck, Beaverdam Creek, Abets Creek and Stillman Creek, remain under evaluation and could be added if inspections determine treatment is necessary.

The operation will use helicopters flying at low altitudes to distribute granular pellets over targeted marshland. Officials said the pesticide, VectoPrime FG, contains Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, commonly known as Bti, and methoprene, ingredients designed to control mosquitoes before they reach adulthood.

Targeting mosquitoes while they are still developing in standing water can reduce populations before they emerge and spread into surrounding neighborhoods.

County officials said the products are registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Applications will be conducted in accordance with required state and federal permits.

Residents are not being advised to take special precautions before or during the operation.

“No precautions are recommended to prepare for this 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,” the county stated.

Officials added that human exposure is considered unlikely and that the products involved have no significant human toxicity.

The treatment schedule also includes marshes in Babylon, Islip, Southampton, East Hampton, Riverhead and Southold.

If weather conditions prevent crews from completing the work, applications will continue on the next suitable day.