New Village Daily
Back to the map
Public Safety Multiple neighborhoods across Queens, Staten Island, Brooklyn, and the Bronx

City Health Officials Schedule Mosquito Control Operations Across Multiple Boroughs

Aerial and truck-based treatments are planned for Queens, Staten Island, and various wetlands to mitigate West Nile Virus risks.

By Staff ReportPublished Aug 8, 2026, 12:17 AM
500px provided description: Empire State Building Night Shot [#city ,#cityscape ,#skyline ,#skyscraper ,#financial district ,#city life ,#street light ,#rush hour ,#overpass ,#office building ,#downtown district ,#city s
Location context image: 500px provided description: Empire State Building Night Shot [#city ,#cityscape ,#skyline ,#skyscraper ,#financial district ,#city life ,#street light ,#rush hour ,#overpass ,#office building ,#downtown district ,#city s Image by Kailash U. Via Wikimedia Commons. Rights status: CC0 1.0.

The New York City Health Department has announced a series of mosquito control operations scheduled for mid-August 2026. The initiative, which includes both aerial larviciding and truck-based adulticiding, aims to reduce the population of mosquitoes capable of transmitting the West Nile Virus.

According to the department, surveillance data indicates an uptick in virus activity and an increased risk of transmission in specific areas. While officials noted that no human cases of the virus have been confirmed in the city as of early August, the planned interventions are intended as a proactive measure.

Staten Island is slated for treatment on August 10, covering neighborhoods including Arrochar, Dongan Hills, Midland Beach, and Todt Hill. Queens is scheduled for treatment on August 12, with operations planned for areas such as Long Island City, Sunnyside, Forest Park, and Ridgewood. Additionally, from August 10 through August 12, the city will perform larviciding in nonresidential marshes and wetlands across the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island, including sites like Pelham Bay Park and Marine Park.

Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin stated that the multi-pronged approach is designed to lower mosquito populations while minimizing environmental impact. The department maintains that the treatments pose no significant risk to residents or pets. However, individuals who wish to limit their exposure are advised to remain indoors and keep windows closed during the spraying periods.

In the event of inclement weather, the city has designated August 11 through 14 as alternative dates for the operations.

Beyond the scheduled spraying, health officials are encouraging residents to take personal precautions to reduce mosquito breeding grounds. Recommended actions include removing standing water from items like flowerpots, birdbaths, and gutters. Residents are also advised to use EPA-registered insect repellents and ensure that window and door screens are properly maintained.

Detailed maps of the affected zones and further information regarding the city’s mosquito control program can be found on the official Health Department website.

Where it happened

New York City (Queens, Staten Island, Bronx, Brooklyn)

Get the Village Briefing

Neighborhood news, mapped — in your inbox.