Aerial Spraying Lowers Mosquito Population

State officials announced Wednesday that the most recent round of aerial spraying cut Easton's mosquito population in half.

Canton found EEE mosquitos in mid-July and at the end of July. The Canton High athletic department has a 6 p.m. curfew in affect for the grass fields and an 8 p.m. one for the turf field.

Sharon was told that a bird-bitting mosquito with EEE was found in town on Aug. 15. The town was notified on Aug. 21 and is at moderate risk level.

Despite the good news out of Easton, the Department of Public Health is still urging caution.

"Today’s results reduce but do not eliminate the public health threat of mosquito-borne illnesses in Massachusetts," said DPH Commissioner John Auerbach in a statement. "It remains vitally important that people continue to take precautions to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites — use insect repellant, cover exposed skin, and avoid outdoor activities at dusk and after nightfall when mosquitoes are at their most active."

Easton was sprayed, along with five other area towns, on August 13. It was the second time it had been sprayed since EEE was found in the Shovel Town. Previously, spraying cut the population by 60 percent.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, aerial spraying generally kills only those mosquitoes that are in flight during the spray operation, and health officials continue to stress the importance of personal protective measures to prevent mosquito bites.

For a look at recommended times to curtail activities, look at the attached .pdf.