2006 Larvicide Information

The Albany County Department of Health plans to implement a strategic and targeted approach to larvicide application in 2006 that is directly based upon West Nile Virus (WNV) surveillance findings. Beginning on or after June 15, 2006 when significant WNV activity has been documented in an area, the area will be surveyed for mosquito breeding sites and if appropriate either 30 day (Altosid 30 Day Briquets) or 150 day (Altosid XR Extended Release Briquets) residual mosquito larvicide will be applied by certified municipal and county employees to targeted municipal storm sewer catch basins and seasonally wet standing water areas. These activities and treatments may occur in the Cities of Albany, Cohoes and Watervliet; Towns of Bethlehem, Colonie, Guilderland and Coeymans; and Villages of Colonie, Menands, Ravena, Voorheesville, Green Island and Altamont. The activities will continue in the targeted areas until those catch basins and seasonally wet standing water areas are treated.

The larvicide application is a preventive measure consistent with West Nile Virus prevention and control recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the New York State Department of Health. This public notification of the use of larvicide is routine procedure required by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation regulations. While this larvicide treatment is an important component of West Nile Virus prevention and control activities in Albany County, all County residents are reminded of the very important role they play in reducing mosquito-breeding sites in their own backyards. Residents are urged to eliminate areas of standing water that can be commonly found in clogged gutters, old tires, swimming pool covers, bird baths, etc.

A map of the areas receiving larvicide treatment and larvicide Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) can be reviewed at the Albany County Department of Health from 8:30am until 4:30pm Monday through Friday. Please contact Barry Peck, Environmental Health Specialist, at (518) 447-4620 for additional information regarding larvicide application. These materials are also available at the library and municipal building in the municipality where the application program will be carried out and on the Albany County website (www.albanycounty.com).

The following larvicide will be used:

Altosid XR Extended Release Briquets
An insect growth regulator containing (S) Methoprene (EPA registration no. 2724-421), with a toxicity category of “CAUTION.”

Altosid 30-Day Briquets
An insect growth regulator containing Methoprene (EPA registration no. 2724-375), with a toxicity category of “CAUTION.”

To assist us in our surveillance activities, Albany County residents are requested to report the findings of dead birds, especially crows, which are thought to have died within the last 24 hours, to our Environmental Division at (518) 447-4620.

You can also report dead birds to the USDA Wildlife Services 24 hour toll-free hotline at 1-866-537-BIRD (2473).

For questions regarding identification of mosquito breeding areas and the use of larvicides, please call our Environmental Division at (518) 447-4620.

A recorded message will be available on the Albany County Department of Health West Nile Virus hotline at (518) 447-4680. Please check this number for periodic updates.

For questions or additional information please call our Health Education Office at (518) 447-4648.

Inquiries concerning symptoms of pesticide poisoning for the pesticides of concern should be made to the Central New York Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Information concerning the regulation of pesticides may be obtained from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Bureau of Pesticide Management, Pesticide Compliance Section, 1150 N. Westcott Road, Schenectady, New York 12306, (518) 357-2045. Additional information concerning pesticides may be obtained from the EPA sponsored National Pesticide Information Center at 1-800-858-7378.