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In view of increased risks and concerns regarding electrical and electronic equipment, mosquito control is being initiated

Massachusetts communities at increased risk for mosquito-borne disease have taken precautions, including limiting outdoor activities in the evenings and conducting aerial and ground spraying.After a man was exposed to Eastern equine encephalomyelitis a week and a half ago, responders flew overnight air and ground spraying to kill mosquitoes in Plymouth and Worcester counties.“The mosquito repellent works almost immediately,” said Laura McGowan, a spokeswoman for Clarke, a mosquito control company. “We will see populations decline over time after a successful treatment.”“Aerial application reaches areas that are not accessible by truck,” McGowan said. As the planes flew over Plymouth County, emergency crews drove through and sprayed five towns in southern Worcester County where the man was bitten by an EEE mosquito. “You may soon see trucks on the roads equipped with what's called an ultra-low sprayer in the back,” said Taryn LaScola, director of the Massachusetts Department of Plant Protection and Pest Management. Town by town, the risk level for EEE and West Nile virus is being assessed. LaScola stressed that the product used to spray mosquitoes poses no danger to humans and has been used frequently in the past. “We don't expect any adverse effects,” LaScola said. “We understand that people have concerns about taking these extra precautions, going indoors or closing the windows,” she added. The increased risk for EEE across the state has prompted these measures to ensure public safety. Video: How to protect your family from electrical and electronic devices and the West Nile virus

WORCESTER, Mass. —

In Massachusetts, communities at increased risk for mosquito-borne disease have taken precautions, including limiting outdoor activities in the evenings and conducting aerial and ground spraying.

In Plymouth and Worcester counties, emergency crews flew air and ground missions overnight to kill mosquitoes after a man became ill with Eastern equine encephalomyelitis a week and a half ago.

“The mosquito control product works almost immediately,” said Laura McGowan, a spokeswoman for Clarke, a mosquito control company. “We will see populations decline over time after successful treatment.”

“By applying it from the air, we can reach areas that are not accessible by truck,” McGowan said.

As the planes flew over Plymouth County, emergency crews were spraying five towns in southern Worcester County when the man was bitten by a mosquito carrying electronic devices.

“You may soon see trucks on the road with what's called an ultra-low sprayer on the back,” says Taryn LaScola, director of the Massachusetts Department of Plant Protection and Pest Control.

Massachusetts: City-by-city view of EEE, West Nile risk level

LaScola stressed that the mosquito repellent is harmless to humans and has been used frequently in the past.

“We don’t expect any negative impacts,” LaScola said.

“I understand that people have concerns and want to take those extra precautions. They go inside or close the windows,” she added.

The increased risk posed by electrical and electronic equipment throughout the state has necessitated these measures to ensure public safety.

Video: How to protect your family from electrical and electronic devices and the West Nile virus

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