Spraying will begin on Thursday, August 22, 2013 from the hours of 8pm until 4am. Operations may continue on Friday, August 23, 2013 at 8pm
From Methuen Mayor Steve Zanni, August 19, 2013
Mayor Stephen Zanni, the Methuen Public Schools and the City of Methuen Board of Health want to inform residents that Northeast Massachusetts Mosquito Control (NEMMC) will conduct targeted spraying throughout the City at the schools and recreational fields prior to the opening of school.
The spraying is being conducted as a precautionary measure as there have been several positive samples of West Nile Virus (WNV) and EEE within the NEMMC district. There have been no positive tests within the City of Methuen.
However, in an effort to decrease human health risk in the City, the treatment will be used to decrease the population of adult mosquitoes in the targeted area. Treatment spraying will begin on Thursday, August 22, 2013 from the hours of 8:00 pm until 4:00 am. Operations may continue on Friday, August 23, 2013 at 8:00 pm if needed due to unfavorable weather conditions on Thursday such as temperature, rain or high winds.
The spraying material to be used is Duet, a Sumithrin-based product with low mammalian toxicity and will be sprayed using truck based equipment. Barrier spraying at the fields with utilize a product called Suspend SC, as needed. No special precautions by residents are needed at this time. If you wish, you can close windows if you reside in close proximity to any of the schools or fields. Any outdoor furniture or equipment can be used at sunrise the following morning. The fields can also be used the following morning.
Avoid mosquito bites and reduce mosquito populations around their home and neighborhoods. By taking a few, common-sense precautions, you can help protect yourself and your family:
Avoid Mosquito Bites
• Be aware of peak mosquito hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Limit your time outdoors during these peak periods of mosquito activity Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that take place during evening or early morning hours. Otherwise, take extra care to use bug spray and protective clothing.
• Clothing can help reduce mosquito bites. Although it may be difficult to do when it’s hot, wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
• Take special care to cover up the arms and legs of children playing outdoors. When you bring a baby outdoors, cover the baby’s carriage or playpen with mosquito netting.
• Apply bug spray when you go outdoors. Use a mosquito repellent that contains DEET or Picaridin. Oil of lemon eucalyptus may also be considered. Products with permethrin should only be used on clothing. Always follow the directions on the label. Repellents should not be used on children younger than two months of age. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.
Mosquito-Proof Your Home
• Drain standing water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or getting rid of items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change water in birdbaths frequently. Mosquitoes will begin to breed in any puddle or standing water that lasts for more than four days.
• Install or repair screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors. Fix any holes or tears in screens, so mosquitoes can’t get in.
More information about mosquito-borne illness and activity can be found on the City website at www.cityofmethuen.net, the NEMMC website at www.northeastmassmosquito.com or www.mass.gov/dph.