Additional Mosquito Spraying - Aerial Application

• Fly-over spraying to be conducted starting Tues., Sept. 10

• The western part of Weston is included in the spray zone

• Residents urged to continue to protect themselves against mosquito bites

Weston's Board of Health has learned of the state's plan to conduct additional aerial spraying for EEE in critical and high risk communities. Weston is listed as a moderate risk community; however, it abuts higher risk communities to the west.

The western portion of Weston (approximately running from Sudbury/Concord Rd. intersection to the Glen/Cliff Rd. intersection) will be included in the aerial spraying. It is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, September 10 between 7:15 p.m. and 4:30 a.m. This can take up to six days to complete, as it is weather and equipment dependent.

Aerial Spray Map & Updates

For the latest spray updates, please refer to the Mass. Department of Agricultural Resources' online Aerial Spray Map for September 2019. 

• The map will display a polygon representing the areas to be sprayed. The map is searchable by address—residents can enter 02493 or their address to determine if they are in the spray zone
• The map will be updated each day to reflect the last evening’s spray area. Please note map preparation takes time and may result in some delays in posting
• Communities in Middlesex County that are scheduled to be partially or fully sprayed over the next week are: Ashland; Hopkinton; Holliston; Sherborn; Framingham; Natick; Wayland; Sudbury; Maynard; Stow; Hudson; Marlborough; and Weston

Aerial Spraying Information

• Close windows and turn off fans in spray areas. Shut off air conditioners unless they have a setting for recirculating indoor air. In very hot weather, you can open the windows or turn fans and air conditioners back on soon after the aerial spraying is completed.
• Keep pets indoors during spraying.  Although pets that remain outdoors could be exposed to small amounts of Anvil 10+10, they are not expected to experience adverse health effects from the spraying.  There are many pesticide products (e.g., flea collars, pet shampoo, dips) containing  similar ingredients that are used directly on pets to control ticks and insects.
• If clothes or outdoor items are exposed during spraying, wash them with soap and water.

Schools/Recreation Facilities

Information on the Department of Public Health Website

The state Department of Health maintains the latest information on EEE in Massachusetts on its website. Here, residents can find information on:

• The risk of EEE
• September 2019 aerial spraying information
• Recommended cancellation times for outdoor activities in high risk areas
• Frequently asked questions about mosquito control
• Printable fact sheets

Protect Yourself Against Mosquito Bites

Currently, there are 36 communities now at critical risk, 42 at high risk, and 115 at moderate risk for the EEE virus in Massachusetts. A map of the state’s current EEE risk levels is available online. EEE is a rare but serious and potentially fatal disease that can affect people of all ages.

People have an important role to play in protecting themselves and their loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes:

• 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-methane 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% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.
  
  
• Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours, as well as Wooded and Wetland Areas: The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning in areas of high risk. Also take precautions when in the woods or other shaded areas.
  
  
• Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites: Wear long-sleeves, long pants,  socks, and closed-toed shoes when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin. 
  
  
• Mosquito-Proof Your Home - Drain Standing Water: Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Take a look outside your home for items that hold water and drain them. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty unused flowerpots, buckets, and wading pools - especially after a rain - and change the water in birdbaths frequently
  
  
• Install or Repair Screens: Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.
  
  
• Protect Your Animals: Water troughs 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 DAR, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795 and to the Department of Public Health (DPH) by calling 617-983-6800.