Summer 2017 Mosquito Spraying Program
Northeast Mosquito Control will be performing routine mosquito spraying in the City of Lynn as complaints come in from the general public for nuisance mosquitos. Mosquito spraying is done after sunset and is not done in the rain.
Targeted areas may not always be published since residents may call themselves to request this service from Northeast Mosquito Control. We can confirm that they will be in the area of Great Woods Road and the surrounding streets that are near Lynn Woods Playground on Thursday, July 20, 2017. Please note that there have not been any confirmed West Nile or EEE infected mosquito cases in the City of Lynn this year. This a preventative treatment for mosquito nuisance complaints.
The vehicle that sprays is a white pickup truck with a piece of apparatus on the rear of the truck that sprays synthetic pyrethoids. Spraying will not be done in front of a property where people or pets are observed to be outdoors or where signage is displayed that declines spraying.
Steps to be followed in areas where spraying is scheduled to take place include:
- If the immediate area of your home is being sprayed, keep windows closed and fans off during the time spraying occurs. Shut off air conditioners unless they have a setting for recirculating indoor air. In very hot weather, make sure you open the windows or turn fans and air conditioners back on soon after the spraying is completed in your immediate area. If you are not sure if your air conditioner can be set to recirculate indoor air, turn it off when spraying is occurring in your immediate area.
- Rinse any homegrown fruits and vegetables with water.
- Keep pets indoors when spraying is occurring in your immediate area. Pets that remain outdoors could be exposed to small amounts of synthetic pyrethoids, but would not be expected to experience adverse health effects from the spraying. There are many pesticide products (e.g., flea collars, pet shampoo, dips) containing pyrethoids that are used directly on pets to control ticks and insects.
- If skin or clothes or other items are exposed to the sprayed pesticide, wash with soap and water.
- If the spray gets in your eyes, immediately rinse them with water or eye drops, and call your doctor.
- Because pyrethoids breaks down quickly in sunlight and water, and considering dilution factors, no special precaution or waiting periods are recommended for outdoor swimming pools or beaches.
What health impacts among the general population can be expected with the spraying of synthetic pyrethoids?
Due to the very low concentrations of synthetic pyrethoids used to control mosquitoes during spraying, adverse health effects are not expected.
Have studies been conducted on possible health effects following spraying for mosquito control?
Yes. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that when administered properly in a mosquito-control program, insecticides pose a low risk for acute, temporary health effects among persons in areas that are being sprayed and among workers handling and applying insecticides.
Short videos on preventing tick and mosquito-borne diseases are available for your use at: www.mass.gov/mosquitoesandticks
If you have questions about forecasts of mosquito activity or current control operations for your area, please contact the Inspectional Services Public Health Division at (781) 598-4000 or visit: http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/docs/dph/cdc/factsheets/m-o/mosquito-spraying.pdf |
