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
ยง28-301.1 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.
BOMA/NY
http://www.bomany.org/