Zika, West Nile...Encephalitis...DOB's Latest Advisory Summed Up Here

Standing water helps mosquitoes breed, and with the Zika and the West Nile virus already detected in New York City this year, its essential that property owners, managers and homeowners take every step possible to prevent the establishment of breeding grounds.

Here are the key facts about these viruses and what you can do about  them:

The Facts

Female mosquitoes prefer to lay eggs in stagnant water, or standing water left unattended for three or more days. Stagnant or standing water can be found throughout construction sites and on properties wherever there are areas, or items, that collect water and do not drain properly.

What You Can Do

Construction sites:

• Ensure that de-watering plans are strictly followed

• Check routinely for stagnant/standing water

• Treat with appropriate insecticide if you cannot eliminate the water

• Remove accumulated water promptly when possible

• Be aware that water can collect in excavated areas, pipes, tarps and barrels

Properties:

• Each property owner and manager is urged to comply with all related codes, which are the responsibility of ownership, not the DOB. Under §28-301.1 of the Administrative Code of the City of New York, property owners are legally obligated to maintain their properties in safe and code compliant conditions at all times.

• Check the property regularly, keeping in mind that water can collect in landscaping, on roofs, plazas, etc.

• At home, make sure trash such as Styrofoam cups (which can collect water if tossed in a bin), is disposed of properly. Clear rain gutters, check unused flower pots that may have collected water, cover bins/wading pools and related open items that can collect water, and change water regularly in birdbaths, pet dishes and the like.