Control & Monitoring

#3- Control and Monitoring of Mosquitoes

The control of mosquitoes on Fire Island and the decisions to actively pursue the reduction of mosquitoes is multifaceted and divided amongst various communities, civic organizations, and government agencies with diverse and sometimes opposing sets of interests. Monitoring of mosquitoes and for that matter the testing of dead birds is primarily in the hands of FINS / NPS on Fire Island. Local communities have no formal monitoring systems in place and often rely on government agencies and the public’s perception of the mosquito load.

Considerations / Action Taken / Necessary

FINS monitors mosquito activity and potential diseases they can carry in the following locations: Mastic, Smith Point, Old Inlet, Water Island, Sailors Haven, and Fire Island Lighthouse. FINS currently turns over testing material to Suffolk County. FINS currently states that they will agree to spray if West Nile is found within five miles of FINS property.

New York State decides/declares a public Health Hazard and approves large aerial and/or ground spraying operations overriding all local decisions.

National Park Service in Washington approves the spaying of FINS properties with systemic pesticides, but only in a health emergency situation.

Suffolk County Vector Control a division of the Suffolk County Health Department decides and coordinates application / treatment of pest control measures (systemic and preventive).

The FHCA attempts to coordinate and communicates for the community the Fair Harbor mosquito control effort on a best effort basis.

Previous information stated that the cadavers of dead birds should be handled by FINS personnel (631) 289-4810. Saltaire indicates this procedure not to be reliable. Instead Saltaire suggests to call them (631) 583-5566 (ask for ) and arrange drop-off and/or pickup. Please keep in mind that Saltaire is doing us a favor.

Continue Education Program of how to reduce the breeding of mosquitoes (see below).

Please be aware that the FHCA is made up of individuals volunteering their time and effort. No guarantee is made or implied that the above outlined goals and outcomes will be achieved. Any action plan is subject to the manpower available and the willingness of outside agencies to cooperate and share information in a timely fashion. The FHCA does not recommend or disapprove the use of any pesticide or treatment. Homeowners are solely responsible for any action taken on their property and should consult appropriate authorities (DEC, EPA, FINS, Islip, Suffolk County Department of Health and others) with any questions concerning the efficacy and advisability of any treatment, pesticides, health or public safety questions. Permits may be required by various agencies and should obtained in advance.