New Bedford Begins Weekly Ground Spraying to Combat Mosquitoes

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — With mosquito season approaching, New Bedford will begin weekly ground spraying this month to help eliminate the mosquito population throughout the summer. 

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

The main targets include parks and other locations that host large public events.

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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.

Throughout the annual program, crews place traps and collect specimens to monitor the mosquito population through the summer months. It also helps track whether mosquitoes are carrying viruses such as the West Nile Virus that can harm people. 

Residents near targeted areas are encouraged to close their windows in the evenings before spraying. In inclement weather, the spraying will be moved to early Friday morning.

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

Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours: Mosquitoes' peak biting times are from dusk to dawn. If possible, try rescheduling outdoor activities from the evening to early morning. If you spend much time outdoors, take precautions for extra repellent care and wear protective clothing.

Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites: Although it may be challenging 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: The right repellent will save you from many mosquito bites. Use a repellent with DEET, permethrin, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus 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.

Lemon eucalyptus oil should not be used on children under three years of age. Permethrin products are intended for use on clothing, shoes, bed nets, and camping gear and should not be applied to the skin.

Drain Standing Water: Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. To prevent mosquito breeding, limit the number of places around your home that hold water by either draining or getting rid of specific items. You can Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools and change the water in birdbaths frequently. Checking rain gutters and drains can also be beneficial.  

Install or Repair Screens: Some mosquitoes will find a way indoors at any chance. Keep them outside by having tight-fitting screens on all windows and doors.