Dates announced for second round of aerial spraying

Aug 20, 2019

The Massachusetts Department of Health and Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources have announced that a second round of aerial spraying for mosquitoes has been planned for certain parts of southeastern Massachusetts.

So far two people in Massachusetts have been diagnosed with Eastern Equine Encephalitis, or EEE, a rare but potentially fatal virus that causes swelling of the brain. There are now 37 communities in the state that are at high to critical risk of the virus.

Spraying from airplanes is expected to begin on Wednesday, Aug. 21, and will continue over several evenings. The spray zone will cover parts of Bristol and Plymouth counties during evening and night hours.

Communities partially in the spray zone are: Attleboro, Dartmouth, Easton, Fairhaven, Fall River, Mansfield, New Bedford, Rehoboth, Somerset, Swansea,  Abington, Brockton, Duxbury, Hanover, Kingston, Marion, Marshfield, Mattapoisett, Norwell, Plymouth, Rockland, and Wareham.

Communities completely in the spray zone are: Acushnet, Berkley, Dighton, Freetown, Norton, Raynham, Taunton, Bridgewater, East Bridgewater, Carver, Hanson, Halifax, Lakeville, Middleborough, Pembroke, Plympton, Rochester, West Bridgewater, and Whitman.

No adverse health effects are expected as a result of the aerial spraying. Routes or dates may be altered at the last minute due to weather conditions. 

For questions about aerial spraying contact the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources Crop and Pest Services at 617-626-1700.