Sturbridge Vector Spray Event September 19, 2023

Sturbridge 2023: updated Sept. 21, 2023 6:31am

Due to the recent finding of EEE Virus in the area and elevation to high risk in Sturbridge and surrounding communities, the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project (CMMCP) will be conducting truck-mounted ultra-low volume spraying beginning after 7:30 PM on Sept. 20 throughout the entire town including schools, parks and other recreational areas that we can access.

Residents are urged to exert caution in area of mosquitoes, and use EPA approved repellents whenever necessary. Risk from EEE will not diminish until after a hard or killing frost.

No special precautions are recommended. Truck-mounted spraying is conducted at night and the active ingredients of the pesticide product used for this application generally break down quickly and leave no residue.

Although spraying is considered necessary at this time to reduce human risk, it will not eliminate risk. It is critical that residents protect themselves from mosquito bites by staying indoors during peak mosquito hours, applying insect repellent when outdoors, draining standing water where mosquitoes breed, repairing screens, and protecting animals and pets.

Although not necessary, if people are concerned, there are steps that can be followed in areas where aerial spraying is scheduled to take place. These include:

• Close windows and turn off fans in spray areas. In very hot weather, you can open the windows or turn fans back on soon after the spraying is completed.
• Central air conditioners do not have to be turned off because they circulate indoor air.
• Keep pets indoors during spraying if possible. Although pets that remain outdoors could be exposed to small amounts of pesticide, they are not expected to experience adverse health effects from the spraying. There are many pesticide products (e.g., flea collars, pet shampoo, dips) containing similar ingredients that are used directly on pets to control ticks and insects. The suggestion to keep pets indoors is to ensure that they do not get scared by the truck spraying.
• If clothes or outdoor items are exposed during spraying, wash them with soap and water.
• Vegetables from your garder can be washed with warm water and dish soap to remove any small residues left behind.

It’s important to note that spraying can reduce but not eliminate the threat of mosquito-borne illness in the areas that are sprayed. That’s why it’s important for individuals to continue to take personal precautions against mosquito bites, both before and after any spraying is conducted.