Legislator Bosworth Takes Action Against West Nile Virus With Mosquito Audit at Home

Legislator Bosworth, in an effort to raise consciousness about how to stop mosquitoes from breeding on residential property, had a mosquito audit conducted by Julie Seghrouchni from Cornell Cooperative Extension. Already aware that mosquitoes can breed in stagnant standing water, Legislator Bosworth was thankful to Seghrouchni, who pointed out areas that might not be noticed.

“I was surprised to learn that pools of water can collect where you least expect them,” Legislator Bosworth explained. “I found water between the rocks in my garden, in flower beds, and even found a plastic bag that had blown onto my property filled with water in one of my planters. I learned through this audit how important it is for homeowners to be vigilant in monitoring their property to stop mosquitoes from breeding.”

Legislator Judi Bosworth has worked diligently to help protect residents of the 10th Legislative District from the West Nile Virus by disseminating information about mosquito control and ways to prevent the spread of the virus. She also introduced changes to the local law dealing with mosquito spraying notification addressing concerns in September of 2008 when the county sprayed aerial pesticides over select areas for the first time in nine years.

The Nassau County Legislature amended the law to require the Health Department to provide 24 hours’ notice to legislators and major news outlets, notice on the Health Department website, and 24 hours’ notice for any rescheduled spraying. The law also requires the establishment of a Mosquito Spraying Hotline. Legislative offices will now be notified as soon as the County Health Department requests that the state declare a public health threat to allow them time to prepare to help with constituent notification.

Nassau County Legislator Judi Bosworth (D-Great Neck), right, discusses potential breeding areas for mosquitoes with

Julie Seghrouchni from Cornell Cooperative Extension who conducted a mosquito audit on Legislator Bosworth's property.