Following last year’s EEE (Eastern Equine Encephalitis) outbreak, which sent a Rochester man to the hospital for seven months, the state and county are working to mitigate the mosquito population.

The Plymouth County Mosquito Control Program is testing and sampling mosquitoes for EEE, and have not yet observed a case. 

Aerial spraying, which is conducted by the state, has not yet begun, but the Plymouth County Mosquito Control Program started spraying by truck on June 15. 

Between 2 a.m. to a half an hour before sunrise sprayers visited Bradford Lane, Comstock Place, Marion Road, Mayflower Lane, Neck Road, North Ave and Thistle Lane in Rochester.

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.

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.