Mosquito spraying targets 27 Mass. communities

The state will be conducting aerial spraying of a pesticide that targets mosquitoes in 27 cities and towns in southeastern Massachusetts. 

The spraying scheduled for the evening of August 4 has been canceled because high wind gusts are forecast. The spraying has been rescheduled for the evening of August 5 (weather permitting). The spraying comes after positive tests for eastern equine encephalitis among the mosquito population in this region, according to the Executive Office of Health and Human Services.

The spraying will take place in Acushnet, Berkley, Bridgewater, Carver, Duxbury, Dartmouth, East Bridgewater, Easton, Fairhaven, Freetown, Halifax, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marion, Mattapoisett, Middleborough, New Bedford, Norton, Pembroke, Plympton, Plymouth, Raynham, Rochester, Taunton, Wareham, and West Bridgewater.

Spraying will begin after dusk, weather permitting. The pesticide, the same that has been used for ground spraying in these communities, is of very low concentration and has been proven safe for humans at this level, according to state officials.

Residents are encouraged to keep windows closed during the spraying and to shut off air conditioners unless they have a setting for circulating indoor air. Pets should be kept inside during the spraying, and home-grown fruits and vegetables should be washed before eating.

More information is available at www.mass.gov/dph.