Aerial Spraying For Mosquitoes Tonight

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State health officials are going to conduct aerial spraying to kill mosquitoes in high risk areas for Eastern Equine Encephalitis this weekend. The spraying will take place in several southwest Michigan counties, covering a total of about 720,000 acres. This will include parts of Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties. In a conference call Friday, state epidemiologist Sarah Lyon-Callo said they’re targeting areas where there have been EEE cases.

“Twin engine planes will fly quickly about 300 feet above the canopy. You may not even hear or see the plane. We are applying about one table spoon of insecticide per acre.”

State health officials say this year has brought the highest number of EEE cases in Michigan ever recorded. The total cases stand at nine. There have also been cases in deer, zoo animals, and horses. Weather permitting, the aerial spraying starts on Sunday night and be done by morning. Dr. Joost Vant Erve with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says they’re using a spray called Merus 3.0, which contains pyrethrin, a commonly-used mosquito chemical.

“Before or during the spray, there are no special actions that are required. Merus 3.0 is labeled for public use over residential areas, and in general no short term or long term risks to human health are expected during or after the spraying.”

Health officials says the spray dissipates quickly in water and absorbs into the soil, posing no risk to ground water. Laura McGowan, a representative of the spray’s vendor, said in a Friday call with state officials, the substance can harm bees and butterflies, but…

“The way that we impact that is ensure that when we do out applications, non-target insects are not in the exposure area. Obviously, that’s why we do out applications between the hours of dusk and dawn. For example, when bees are in the hive and when monarchs are protected. So there should be no anticipated non-target impacts for other, beneficial insects.”

In Berrien County, the spraying will be done in the village of Eau Claire, portions of Pipestone Township and Berrien Township. Only a one-time spray operation is planned, and the state is handling the $1.5 to $1.8 million cost. This is the first time the state has conducted aerial mosquito spraying since 1980. You can find out more about EEE right here. State and local health officials say you shouldn’t let the spraying give you a false sense of security. They still recommend everyone use insect spray, wear long sleeves and pants, and reduce outdoor activities after dark.

Below is a map of all the areas to be sprayed.