Mosquito Management Bill

Introduced in State Legislature

URGENT TELEPHONE & LETTER CAMPAIGN

Contact your State Legislators to voice your support for the Mosquito Management Bill.

Since  late 1999 in the New York City and Long Island region, some common house mosquitoes, Culex Pipiens, became carriers of the exotic West Nile Virus. The problem was highly publicized by the media, which focused great attention on the encephalitis caused by the virus (which mosquitoes transmit from birds). Local officials responded to the alarm with a massive aerial pesticide spraying program. Two different toxic pesticides were used, including malathion(a neurotoxic chemical, which studies suggest may be a carcinogen) and synthetic pyrethroids (which are nerve toxins). The use of these chemicals presents an additional public health concern. The late season aerial spraying programs have also been of questionable effectiveness in controlling mosquitoes.

Right now, counties in New York State only receive funding from Albany to spray pesticides. This gives them no motivation to do anything but spray. They aren't motivated to take precautions or any steps to prevent the need to spray. The Neighborhood Network has co-written a bill that will change that formula and allow funding for both prevention and monitoring and not simply for   potentially dangerous chemical spraying. The bill would reimburse counties for using such non-toxic controls as; the management of mosquito breeding habitats, the introduction of predatory insects (like dragonflies), the use of larvicides (one of which is a safe biological product) , mosquito-eating fish and the use of mosquito traps. Having the resources available, before mosquitoes become airborne and breed, can reduce or eliminate the need for widespread pesticide spraying on Long Island.

 The bill will also provide funding to educate the general public about measures they can take to prevent mosquito breeding on and around their home and property, and steps to control mosquitoes without the use of potentially dangerous chemical pesticides.

Let Your Voice Be Heard

Call or write your State Assemblyperson & Senator today

Ask Them To Co-sponsor the Mosquito Management Bill (DiNapoli - A07320, Balboni - S4852).

Click here to find your state representatives.

How to control mosquitoes around your home.

Facts about chemical pesticides used for mosquito spraying.