Mosquito-killing efforts ramp up as spraying begins again

WALPOLE, Mass. — There is no shortage of tools when it comes to controlling the mosquito population, and the need to do so is in focus following the worst season in more than 60 years with the human infections of Eastern Equine Encephalitis.

EEE is a potentially deadly virus that attacks the brain. In 2019, 12 people were infected and three died, according to state records – the worst EEE year in 63 years.

One of the tools being used now is an aerial application of tiny granules spread from a helicopter into wetlands. That began a month ago in Norfolk County.

The point was to kill mosquito larvae before they mature. Now, larvae have matured and that’s where we see tool number two: aerosol spraying from the ground, which is set to begin on Tuesday night, according to Norfolk County Mosquito Control District Executive Director David Lawson.

>>>MORE: Early tool in fight against EEE takes flight

Lawson said what’s being sprayed is a low-toxicity pesticide that is done at night.

Last week the district began taking requests from residents across 25 towns for neighborhood spraying to control the mosquito population. They received 450 calls, which is in line with recent years, Lawson said.

“We are seeing a hotspot around the Neponset River flood plain,” Lawson said.

Mosquito spraying is not being done due to EEE but it is among the tools to control the population with goals of lessening mosquito-borne diseases.

Lawson said they will begin trapping mosquitoes soon, while samples from those caught will be sent to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. By late June, results of those tests will reveal the prevalence of mosquito-borne diseases such as EEE and West Nile Virus.

While mosquito control can reduce the population, these are done on a neighborhood-by-neighborhood basis, not specific properties. Individual property owners must order a service to have their yards treated.

Related: Man returns home after contracting EEE in August 2019, spending 19 days in coma

Dan Cahill, owner of Cahill Lawn Care and Landscaping, which also uses the name ‘Mosquito & Tick Away,’ said call volume has ramped up over the past three weeks. His company uses a pesticide and organic, and a combination of sprays.

“We’re out every single day doing treatments,” Cahill said.

Central Mass Mosquito Control Project Executive Director Tim Deschamps said his staff will begin the process next week.

Bristol County began taking requests for spraying Tuesday, said Priscilla Matton, the superintendent of the Bristol County Mosquito Control Project. They will begin spraying on June 1.

In western Mass., Berkshire County will spray after June 1, said Executive Director Chris Horton.

>>>MORE: EEE 2020: Massachusetts preparing for next year’s risk now

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