Suffolk County Initiates Aerial Mosquito Control in Babylon

Helicopter Treatments Target Marshes to Reduce Mosquito Populations

As summer temperatures rise, so does the presence of mosquitoes in the Town of Babylon.

To combat this seasonal surge, the Suffolk County Department of Public Works' Division of Vector Control has scheduled aerial treatments targeting mosquito larvae in local marshes.

These operations are set to occur from July 23 through July 26, between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. each day.

Should weather conditions impede the process, treatments will resume on the next suitable day.

The following marshes in the Town of Babylon are slated for treatment:

West Gilgo

Gilgo

Cedar Beach

Oak Island

The pesticides employed, VectoPrime FG—a combination of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) and Altosid (Methoprene)—are approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

These substances will be applied via low-altitude helicopter using granular methods.

Residents need not take special precautions, as the helicopters will operate at low levels over marsh areas, minimizing drift into inhabited zones.

Human exposure is considered unlikely, and the products used have no significant human toxicity.

In addition to mosquito control efforts, Babylon is bustling with summer activities.

The Babylon Block Party is set to return on July 17, transforming Main Street into a pedestrian-friendly zone filled with live music, food, and entertainment from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Furthermore, the 2025 Free Summer Concert Series continues to delight residents with performances like Rolling on the River—a Tina Turner tribute—on July 9 at Tanner Park, and Unforgettable Fire—a U2 tribute—on July 11 at the same venue.

These events offer residents opportunities to enjoy the season while the county works diligently to manage mosquito populations.

For more information on the aerial treatments or upcoming community events, residents are encouraged to contact the Suffolk County Division of Vector Control or visit local community websites.