UNDATED, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — More aerial mosquito spraying operations to combat Eastern Equine Encephalitis are now complete, but there are still many more areas that are waiting to be treated.
On Thursday night low-flying air planes dropped the pesticide over parts of Allegan, Barry, Calhoun, Kent, Montcalm, Newaygo, and Jackson counties. An updated map for Friday’s spraying can be found here.
According to MDHHS, the pesticide being used is “Merus 3.0,” an organic pesticide that contains 5% pyrethrin which are chemicals found naturally in some chrysanthemum flowers.
Residents can view the Aerial Treatment Zones Map to see updates to the plan.
More specific details can be seen on the County-level Aerial Treatment Maps for the identified zones’ locations.
If the weather allows, all of the targeted areas could be completed by the end of the weekend.
The most up-to-date information will be posted at Michigan.gov/EEE.
No spraying is occurring in Kalamazoo County due to too many residents opting out of the action.
As of October 4th, four people have died from the EEE virus in Michigan so far this year in 9 cases and ther have been 33 animal cases, including two wolf pups at the Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek. In total, the State has confirmed that 23 of the animals recorded have died.
Frequently asked questions about EEE and the aerial spraying can be found here.
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MDHHS also released some tips on how to avoid mosquito bites:
- Apply insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET, or other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-registered product to exposed skin or clothing, and always follow the manufacturer’s directions for use.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors. Apply insect repellent to clothing to help prevent bites.
- Maintain window and door screening to help keep mosquitoes outside.
- Empty water from mosquito breeding sites around the home, such as buckets, unused kiddie pools, old tires or similar sites where mosquitoes may lay eggs.
- Use nets and/or fans over outdoor eating areas.
