NYC's Mosquito Spraying Raises Concerns for Endangered Monarch Butterflies

NYC Mosquito Spraying Sparks Concern for Endangered Monarch Butterflies

While New York City prepares to combat mosquitoes spreading West Nile Virus with aerial pesticide spraying starting Monday, a local sanctuary is raising concerns about the potential harm to endangered monarch butterflies.

The Inwood Butterfly Sanctuary, a sanctuary within a sanctuary, is home to monarchs at every stage of their life cycle, from eggs on milkweed leaves to caterpillars, chrysalises, and finally, the pollinating butterflies themselves.

Keith De Cesare, founder of the sanctuary, worries that the city's spraying will kill the vulnerable butterflies, urging them to avoid the area.

"Just don't come down this block. Stay off the corner," he pleaded.

The city claims the pesticides used are safe for humans and pets, but recommends staying indoors with closed windows and air conditioning on for those who may be sensitive to the spray.

While residents understand the need to control the mosquito population, many express concerns about the unintended consequences on beneficial insects like pollinators.

"We're killing by trying to contain mosquitoes. We are also killing other insects that are beneficial," said Bobby Velonis, a local resident.

De Cesare emphasizes the importance of these insects for the ecosystem and the joy they bring:

"We need them as pollinators. And we need them for the beauty and the joy they bring," he added.

The city plans to spray in several Manhattan neighborhoods, including Inwood, to combat the rise in West Nile Virus cases this summer. Former NIAID Director Dr. Anthony Fauci recently revealed his own hospitalization and recovery from the disease.

Click here for more information about the city's mosquito spraying program.