City of Fall River announces spraying to take place by Bristol County Mosquito Control Project; here is what you need to know

Mayor Coogan and the Fall River Health Department would like to announce that, weather-permitting, the Bristol County Mosquito Control Project (BCMCP) will be spraying the area around Kennedy Park for mosquitoes on Tuesday, August 25th and Friday, August 28th between the hours of 2am to 6 am.

The spraying will be performed by the Bristol County Mosquito Control Project (BCMCP) in an effort to reduce mosquito populations ahead of the Holy Ghost Feast. BCMCP utilizes a spray truck with an ultra-low volume spray between the hours of 2 am to 6 am on each of the two days. It contains a man-made pesticide product (sumithrin) 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. The active ingredients of the pesticide product generally break down quickly and do not leave a toxic residue.

As a precaution, all residents who live in the area may keep their windows closed and refrain from going outside between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 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 sumithrin, the active ingredient of DUET ULV, that are used directly on pets to control ticks and insects. Because DUET ULV breaks down quickly in sunlight and water, no special precaution or waiting periods are recommended for outdoor swimming pools or beaches.

People should take the following precautions to protect themselves from mosquito exposure:

· Use mosquito repellent while outdoors with an EPA-registered active ingredient such as DEET

· Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and sock while outdoors

· Avoid being outdoors from dusk to dawn 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.

· For more information please visit: https://www.mass.gov/mosquito-borne-diseases

Residents can call the Bristol County Mosquito Control Project at 508-823-5253 for more information on spraying.