Bristol County Getting Another Round Of Mosquito Spraying

MANSFIELD, MA — Several cities and towns in Bristol County are scheduled for a second round of mosquito spraying, according to the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources. The spraying will begin overnight Wednesday and continue over several nights.

The latest round of spraying comes following increased concerns over Equine Encephalitis (EEE). EEE is a rare but potentially deadly illness spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Since the virus was first identified in Massachusetts in 1938, fewer than 100 cases have occurred.

Locally, Norton and Raynham were declared towns with a critical risk for EEE, following mosquitos testing positive for the virus in those towns.

Mansfield, Foxborough, North Attleboro and Seekonk all were declared communities with moderate risks. The moderate risk level means no mosquitoes in Mansfield have tested positive for the virus, but there are some with EEE in the area.

The following Bristol County communities have spraying scheduled this week:

Cities/towns completely in the spray zone:

• Acushnet
• Berkley
• Dighton
• Freetown
• Norton
• Raynham
• Taunton

Cities/towns partially in the spray zone:

• Mansfield
• Attleboro
• Dartmouth
• Easton
• Fairhaven
• Fall River
• New Bedford
• Rehoboth
• Somerset
• Swansea

"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 Monica Bharel, the state's public health commissioner "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."

The pesticide used for spraying is called Anvil 10+10, a product state officials said poses no health risks to humans and pets. 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. Piperonyl butoxide increases the ability of Sumithrin to kill mosquitoes.