Notice of Aerial Spraying for Mosquitoes
Notice of Aerial Spraying for Mosquitoes
August 6, 2019
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources announced today that due to the high risk of Eastern Equine Encephalitis, aerial spraying for mosquitoes will take place in specific areas of Bristol and Plymouth counties. The Town of Raynham, as well as surrounding communities, is listed to be sprayed. Aerial spraying is anticipated to begin on Thursday, August 8, and continue over several evenings. The ability to spray is weather dependent and the schedule may change. Residents are encouraged to visit the DPH website at www.mass.gov/guides/aerial-mosquito-control-summer-2019 for the latest updates on spraying.
Based on current findings of Eastern Equine Encephalitis and historical data from prior outbreak years, MDPH and MDAR have decided that aerial spraying is warranted. Aerial spraying covers significantly more area, especially swamp areas that truck mounted / ground spraying cannot reach. Aerial spraying can reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illness; however, it does not eliminate the risk completely. EEE is a rare, but serious and potentially fatal disease that can affect people of all ages. Residents should continue to take personal precautions such as applying insect repellent, wear long sleeves and long pants when outdoors, mosquito proof your home, and be aware of peak mosquito hours (dusk through dawn).
The pesticide that will be used during the aerial spraying is called Anvil 10+10, a product extensively tested and used in both ground-level and aerial spraying in the U.S. to control mosquitoes. Anvil 10+10 is rapidly inactivated and decomposes with exposure to light and air, with a half-life of less than one day in the air and on plants. This product has proven to be extremely effective in killing mosquitoes worldwide for over 20 years.
There are no health risks expected during or after spraying and no special precautions are recommended; however, residents can reduce exposure by staying indoors during spraying. Aerial spraying is not expected to have any impacts on surface water or drinking water, but will be monitored by MassDEP. Aerial spraying will be conducted in the nighttime hours when fish are less likely to be at the surface feeding and honeybees are most likely to be in their hives. However, owners should cover small ornamental fishponds during the night of spraying. While it is not necessary to bring animals indoors during spraying, keeping pets inside will minimize the risk of exposure.
State officials will continue to monitor the area over the next two weeks and plan to conduct a second round of spraying to achieve maximal effectiveness.
While the Raynham Health Department continues to work closely with the MDPH and other agencies, locally we are actively undertaking efforts to make information available to the public. For more information, please visit https://www.mass.gov/mosquito-borne-diseases or call the Raynham Board of Health office at (508) 824-2766.
Matthew Tanis
Health Agent
Town of Raynham