Second Round of Aerial Spraying for Mosquitoes

 

BOSTON (August 20, 2019) – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) today announced that as anticipated, a second round of aerial spraying for mosquitoes will take place in specific areas of southeastern Massachusetts. So far this year, 37 communities in Massachusetts have been found by DPH to be at either critical or high risk for the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus.

 

MDAR conducted an initial round of aerial spraying during the overnight hours of August 8-11 in areas of southeastern Massachusetts, and a second round of spraying was expected to achieve maximal effectiveness.

 

MDAR will conduct and monitor aerial spraying in specific areas of Bristol and Plymouth counties which is anticipated to begin on Wednesday, August 21, and continue over several evenings. However, 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 in their communities.

 

EEE is a rare but serious and potentially fatal disease that can affect people of all ages. The first two human cases of EEE in Massachusetts since 2013 were announced on August 10 and August 16, an indication of the current significant risk of EEE in the Commonwealth. 

 

“While aerial spraying is an important tool to help us reduce the public health risk of EEE, it’s critically important that everyone in high risk areas continue to take personal precautions against mosquito bites,” said Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel, MD, MPH. “These steps include using EPA-approved bug spray, wearing long sleeves and pants to cover exposed skin, and cancelling outdoor activities which take place during the hours from dusk to dawn when mosquito activity is at its highest.”

 

“Due to the continued high risk levels in southeastern Massachusetts, the Commonwealth is taking action to protect public health by conducting a second aerial spray to further reduce the population of mosquitoes that transmit the EEE virus,” said MDAR Commissioner John Lebeaux. “As aerial sprays cannot completely eliminate the risk of EEE transmission, we ask the public to follow the personal protection practices suggested by DPH.”

 

The pesticide used 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 contains two ingredients: Sumithrin and Piperonyl butoxid.  Sumithrin is an ingredient similar to the natural components of the chrysanthemum flower which is also found in other pesticide products used indoors, in pet shampoos, and tick control treatments. Sumithrin 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. In soil, it degrades rapidly. Sumithrin has proven to be extremely effective in killing mosquitoes worldwide for over 20 years. Piperonyl butoxide serves to increase the ability of Sumithrin to kill mosquitoes.

 

There are no health risks expected during or after spraying; and there is no evidence that aerial spraying will exacerbate certain health conditions such as asthma or chemical sensitivity. 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.

 

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(s) of spraying. While it is not necessary to bring animals indoors during spraying, keeping pets inside will minimize the risk of exposure.

 

Although the aerial spray is considered necessary to reduce human risk, it will not eliminate it. Residents must continue to protect themselves from mosquito bites by staying indoors during peak mosquito hours, applying insect repellent when outdoors, draining standing water where mosquitoes breed, and repairing screens in doors and windows. Residents should also take steps to protect their domestic animals from mosquito bites.

 

For questions about aerial spraying, contact the MDAR Crop and Pest Services at (617) 626-1700.

 

For the most updated information on EEE risk and aerial spraying, contact the DPH Division of Epidemiology at (617) 983-6800 or visit the DPH website at www.mass.gov/guides/aerial-mosquito-control-summer-2019. For updated risk levels, mosquito results, maps and incidence of positive mosquito samples, visit www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito.

              

For questions about mosquito control in your city or town: Contact your local board of health (listed online or in the telephone directory under “government”).

 

For general information about mosquito control, go to Mosquito Control Projects and Districts or contact the Bristol County Mosquito Control Project at (508) 823-5253 or the Plymouth County Mosquito Control Project at 781-585-5450.