Is mosquito spraying safe? What to know about the EEE protection measure in some MA towns

Massachusetts is spraying pesticides in some areas of the state this week for mosquitoes with EEE, prompting some to worry about the safety of the pesticides being sprayed.

Eastern equine encephalitis, or EEE, is a mosquito-borne illness passed to humans through a bite from an infected mosquito.

Every year during mosquito season, risks of mosquito-borne illnesses rise. In Massachusetts, human cases of EEE are rare and deadly.

The first human case of EEE in Massachusetts since 2020 was reported earlier this month.

Now, the state is using truck and aerial pesticide spraying in parts of the state in an effort to mitigate some of the mosquitoes infected with the virus.

Here's what to know about the safety of the technique.

Which areas of MA were sprayed for mosquitoes?

State officials announced last week that some areas at high risk for EEE will be sprayed for infected mosquitoes. Spraying took place this week in parts of Plymouth County and Worcester County.

More: West Nile virus and EEE levels are high in MA. What's the difference between the viruses?

These Plymouth County towns were sprayed aerially on Aug. 27:

• Carver
• Halifax
• Kingston
• Middleborough
• Plymouth
• Plympton
• Rochester
• Wareham

These Worcester County towns were sprayed with truck mounts on Aug. 27 and Aug. 28:

• Douglas
• Dudley
• Oxford
• Sutton
• Uxbridge

What pesticide is used for mosquito spraying?

State officials are using the pesticide Anvil 10+10.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health , Anvil 10+10 is "an EPA-registered product extensively tested and used in both ground-level and aerial spraying in the U.S. to control mosquitoes."

The DPH said the pesticide is sprayed using an ultra-low volume aerosol that uses very small quantities of the chemical.

The ingredients in Anvil 10+10 decompose to half their amount in less than one day when exposed to light and air, the DPH said.

Is mosquito spraying harmful to people?

Because the pesticide used in mosquito spraying is being dispersed outdoors in small amounts, the DPH said it's "unlikely a person would be exposed to amounts that would cause adverse health effects."

Officials said taking special precautions during spraying is not usually necessary, but people who prefer to avoid exposure to the pesticide can stay indoors. People who have respiratory conditions such as asthma are encouraged to stay indoors during spraying.

Is mosquito spraying harmful to pets?

Mosquito spraying poses minimal risks to pets, according to the DPH and CDC .

However, pets can be brought inside during spraying as a precaution. Pets left outdoors may be exposed to small amounts of the pesticide, but they are not expected to experience health issues from it.

According to the DPH, some common pet products like flea collars and pet shampoo contain similar ingredients as the pesticide to control ticks and insects on pets.

Are crops safe outside during mosquito spraying?

Fruits and vegetables grown in the outdoor area where mosquito spraying is taking place are considered safe to eat, the DPH said .

Officials use EPA-approved amounts of the pesticide so that residue is not left on food crops, according to the DPH. However, the DPH still says homegrown or store bought fruits and vegetables should be rinsed with water before being consumed.

This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Is mosquito spraying safe? What to know about the EEE protection measure in some MA towns