Mosquito spraying begins June 15

Jun 15, 2020

Plymouth County Mosquito Control will begin spraying for mosquitoes this week. 

Following last year’s EEE (Eastern Equine Encephalitis) outbreak, the state and county are working to mitigate the mosquito population.

Aerial spraying, which is conducted by the state, has not yet begun. 

The County sprays from a pick-up truck, and, by law, can only spray the homes of those who request it. So, not every home on the streets listed will be sprayed. 

Tonight, June 15, the County plans to spray some homes on Agawam Lake Shore, Albatross Avenue, Blackbird Avenue, Cahoon Road, Cardinal Avenue, Christopher Drive, Cleveland Way, Dogwood Lane, Douglass Lane, Dove Avenue, Helen Street, Lincoln Street, Lori Lane, Marion Road, Rickey Lane, Stephens Avenue, Tyler Avenue, Wareham Lake Shore Drive, Wilson Street.

Sprayers are ultra-low volume and located in the back of a pick-up truck. Weather permitting, the trucks operate from 2 a.m. to about a half hour before sunrise. 

Residents who would like their homes to be sprayed can call up to eight times per season. The spray kills mosquitoes, but does not prevent them from returning. 

To request a spray, call 781-585-5450 from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Requests can also be submitted by mail to 272 South Meadow Road, Plymouth, MA, 02360, or by fax to 781-582-1276. Residents submitting a request by mail or fax should include their name, address, phone number, and email address. 

For a list of the streets to be sprayed, go to www.plymouthmosquito.org/spray-routes-for-adult-mosquito-control.html.

Plymouth County has already begun testing and sampling mosquitoes for EEE, and have not yet observed a case. 

The Department of Public Health recommends avoiding mosquito bites by being aware of peak mosquito hours from dusk to dawn, wearing long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors, and wearing insect repellent that contains DEET, permethrin, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. The department also recommends mosquito-proofing the home by draining standing water and installing or repairing screens.