City of Fall River announces information concerning mosquito spraying taking place in area of Kennedy Park

Mayor Coogan and the Fall River Health Department have announced that, weather-permitting, the Bristol County Mosquito Control Project will be spraying the area around Kennedy Park for mosquitoes on Wednesday, August 24th and on Friday, August 26th.

The spraying will be performed by the Bristol County Mosquito Control Project using a special spray truck with a fine ultra-low volume spray between the hours of 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. on each of the two days. The Mayor’s Office stated that the spray contains a man-made pesticide product (etofenprox) similar to the natural components of the chrysanthemum flower. It can also be found in other pesticide products used indoors in pet shampoo and on pets. Health and Human Services Director Tess Curran states, “The active ingredients of the pesticide product generally break down quickly and do not leave a toxic residue. The Mayor’s Office has been in contact with the festival planners. There is not a concern about food concessions being in the area, since they will be closed, and all food put away.”

As a precaution, all residents who live in the area should keep their windows closed and refrain from going outside between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. They may also want to shut off air conditioners unless they have a setting for recirculating indoor air. Residents are further advised to rinse any homegrown fruits and vegetables with water and to keep pets indoors during spraying to minimize their risk of exposure. However, pets that remain outdoors would not be expected to experience adverse health effects from the spraying. There are many pesticide products (e.g., flea collars, pet shampoo, dips) containing etofenprox, the active ingredient of Zenivex E4, that are used directly on pets to control ticks and insects. Because Zenivex E4 breaks down quickly in sunlight and water, no special precaution or waiting periods are recommended for outdoor swimming pools or beaches.

People are also advised to take the following measures to protect themselves from mosquito exposure:

· Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.

· Stay indoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Use mosquito netting on baby carriages or playpens when your baby is outdoors.

· Make sure screens are repaired and that screens are tightly attached to doors and windows.

· Remove standing water from ditches, gutters, old tires, wheelbarrows, and wading pools.

· Use mosquito repellents, making sure to follow directions on the label.