Spraying:

The Massachusetts Public Health Laboratory confirmed the presence of mosquitoes testing positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) at one of their trapping sites collected on 7/30/2024 in Amesbury. In response, spraying will occur on Monday, August 5, 2024, beginning approximately 30 minutes after sunset. A truck will pass through the neighborhood dispensing an Ultra-low Volume (ULV) pesticide. Catch basins and standing areas of water will also be treated. There is a rain date of Tuesday, August 6, 2024.

Residents in the area to be sprayed are advised to stay inside, bring pets inside, and keep windows closed between 8:30 pm and midnight.

Spraying Notices:

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Spray Area:

The areas to be treated are bounded by South Hampton Rd (to NH border), Market St., Elm St (to 495 border), Portsmouth Rd, Industrial Way, and Monroe St. (to Salisbury border).
 

Information on spray materials to be used:

Zenivex E4-RTU (EPA Reg# 2724-807). Active Ingredient: Etofenprox (CAS #80844-07-1) 4%. Zenivex E4 RTU mosquito adulticide is a high efficacy, reduced risk adulticide that provides quick, permanent knockdown and reliable control of adult mosquito populations in any mosquito habitat flying at the time of application. This product contains no synergist, therefore no Piperonyl Butoxide (PBO). The Safety Data Sheet and product label can be viewed at: https://www.nemassmosquito.org/public-education/pages/adulticide

The following recommendations from the State are to help reduce the risk of infection for all residents:

• Apply Insect Repellent when Outdoors. Use a repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient (DEET (N,N-Diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD) or IR3535) according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30 percent or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.
• 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 discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools and change the water in birdbaths frequently.
• Install or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly fitting screens on all your windows and doors.
• Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during the evening or early morning in areas of high risk

The following recommendations from the State are to help protect animals from mosquito-borne illness:

Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools – especially after heavy rains. Water troughs provide excellent mosquito breeding habitats and should be flushed out at least once a week during the summer months to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent WNV and EEE. If an animal is suspected of having WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to the Department of Agricultural Resources, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795, and to the Department of Public Health by calling 617-983-6800.

Links  from the State:

Mosquito Borne Disease Prevention: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/mosquito-borne-disease-prevention

Mosquito Borne Illnesses: https://www.mass.gov/mosquito-borne-diseases

State EEE Risk Map: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-arbovirus-update

Mosquito Repellant Flyers:

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• Portuguese