DEEP to spray for mosquitoes in Pachaug State Forest

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Mosquito Management Program plans to spray insecticide in the Mt. Misery area of Pachaug State Forest on Thursday as a precaution to minimize the potential spread of mosquito-borne illnesses.

DEEP officials said that while there have been no cases of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus in humans in Connecticut so far this season, the risk level for EEE in the eastern part of the state is elevated.

DEEP officials said the spraying will be done on Thursday, Aug. 29, in an area of eastern Connecticut where mammal-biting mosquitoes carrying EEE have been consistently detected.

The entrances to the Pachaug State Forest in Griswold will close at 5 p.m. Thursday, and the forest and nearby roads will be closed for the evening. They will reopen at 8 a.m. Friday.

DEEP said residential portions of these roads will remain accessible to residents.

According to DEEP, EEE has been detected in the following Connecticut towns this year: Canterbury, Ledyard, North Stonington, Sterling and Voluntown. No human cases have been reported in Connecticut in 2024, but human cases have been reported in Massachusetts, Vermont, New Jersey and New Hampshire, where one death has been reported .

A white-tailed deer died from EEE in Lisbon earlier this month.

DEEP officials said the insecticide that the Mosquito Management Program will spray contains sumithrin and prallethrin. When applied at appropriate rates, the spray does not affect humans, pets or other non-target organisms.

Campers have been notified of the spraying and advised to leave the area while spraying is happening.

Road closures

The following forest roads will close beginning at 5 p.m. Thursday:

• DEP Trail 1, Gardner Road, Stone Hill Road, Trail 1, Lee Road, Lawrence Road, Trail 2, and Route 49 North entrance.

Road gates in these areas will close during this time. Residential portions of these roads will remain accessible.

Visitors are advised to avoid the area while spraying is conducted.

Campers have been advised to avoid the area until at least 10 p.m. Thursday and will be permitted to return afterward.

Reducing the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses

To reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes, DEEP officials said residents should:

• Minimize time spent outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• Consider the use of mosquito repellents containing an EPA-registered active ingredient, including DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone when it is necessary to be outdoors.
• Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time, or when mosquitoes are more active. Clothing should be light-colored and loose-fitting and made of tightly woven materials that keep mosquitoes away from the skin.
• Be sure door and window screens are tight-fitting and in good repair.
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in an unscreened structure and to protect infants when outdoors.
• Residents also are encouraged to take steps at home to protect against mosquitoes, such as making sure door and window screens are tight-fitting and in good repair and not letting stagnant water collect around your home.
• Dump water out of old tires, wheelbarrows, and wading pools.

More information on mosquito control around the home can be found on the Connecticut Mosquito Management Program website .

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