Weekly Targeted Ground Spraying for Mosquitoes to Begin June 6, Continue Through September

Sprays between 2 a.m. and sunrise will target City’s parks, event spaces

NEW BEDFORD – The New Bedford Health Department is partnering with the Bristol County Mosquito Project and the Mass. Department of Public Health on the annual mosquito monitoring program, which includes weekly ground spraying starting June 6.

The weekly ground spraying by the Bristol County Mosquito Project will target parks and other locations that host large public events. Starting June 6 and continuing every Thursday through September between 2 a.m. and sunrise, ground sprayings will take place around Buttonwood Park, Brooklawn Park, Fort Taber, Hazelwood Park, Riverside Park, Clasky Common Park, Ashley Park, Wing’s Court, Custom House Square, and other areas Downtown.

Residents near targeted areas may want to close their windows in the evenings prior to spraying. In the event of inclement weather, the spraying will be moved to early Friday morning.

The annual monitoring program sees crews place traps and collect specimens to monitor the mosquito population through the summer months. It also helps track whether any mosquitoes are carrying Eastern equine encephalitis or West Nile virus.

The New Bedford Health Department recommends these precautionary measures to help protect yourself from mosquito bites:

  • Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours: While mosquitoes are out at all hours of the day, their peak biting times are from dusk to dawn. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning. Otherwise, take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing, especially if you work or spend a lot of time outdoors.
  • Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites: Although it may be difficult to do when it’s hot, wearing long sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
  • Apply Insect Repellent When You Go Outdoors: Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under 2 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 3 years of age. Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear and should not be applied to skin.
  • Drain Standing Water: Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or getting rid of items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change water in birdbaths frequently.

Install or Repair Screens: Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tight-fitting screens on all windows and doors.