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Health & Fitness

County to Spray Napeague Marshes with Methoprene June 3, 2014

Nice of the government to let us know... but since they won't, I will! 

They will be spraying Napeague marshes with methoprene sometime between 8AM and 5PM on June 3, 2014.

According to the county- there are no issues with this spraying- but I wonder why Maine and Connecticut have laws restricting the use of methoprene? And why has the US Fish and Wildlife Service banned its use on a national wildlife refuge on the southern Oregon Coast? Why do the East Hampton and Southampton Trustees not like methoprene?? 

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Maybe it's because methoprene can accumulate in fish tissues and is moderately toxic to some fish, and highly toxic to others? Or is it because it is moderately toxic to crustaceans such as shrimp, lobsters, and crayfish? Wow- I wonder if it will kill all the spider crabs in Napeague Harbor... maybe the eelgrass we just planted with Cornell will do better without all those pesky spider crabs. Perhaps some folks don’t like it because it is very highly toxic to freshwater invertebrates?

Oh wait- bees make honey, bees pollinate the planet, and are responsible for more than $15 billion in increased crop value each year in the United States. If you eat food (bees are responsible for 1 in 3 bites of food) you should want to save bees. But methoprene is kind of toxic to bees, and bee larvae may be even more sensitive... Aren't we having a severe bee crisis across the planet? Last year 24% of the bees died... and on average, we lose about a third of the population every year!

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I also wonder what has our local government has done to reduce mosquito larvae? The County told me if they don’t find the larvae- they won’t spray. Makes sense, right??

OK- the County says it is AOK stuff, yet they advise...

Steps you should take:  Children and pregnant women should take care to avoid exposure when practical.  If possible, remain inside or avoid the area whenever spraying takes place and for about 30 minutes after spraying.  Close windows and doors and close the vents of window air-conditioning units to circulate indoor air or, before spraying begins, turn them off.  Windows and air-conditioning vents can be reopened about 30 minutes after spraying.  If you come in direct contact with pesticide spray, protect your eyes.  If you get pesticide spray in your eyes, immediately rinse them with water.  Wash exposed skin.  Wash clothes that come in direct contact with spray separately from other laundry.  Consult your health care provider if you think you are experiencing health effects from spraying.

Steps you may want to take:  The materials used by Suffolk County Vector Control do not leave significant residues on surfaces, but exposure can be reduced even further.  Pick homegrown fruits and vegetables you expect to eat soon before spraying takes place.  Rinse homegrown fruits and vegetables (in fact all produce) thoroughly with water before cooking or eating.  Bring laundry and small toys inside before spraying begins.  (Wash with detergent and water if exposed to pesticides during spraying.)  Bring pet food and water dishes inside, and cover ornamental fishponds during the spray period to avoid direct exposure.

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