SOUTHWEST MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Aerial mosquito spraying to combat Eastern Equine Encephalitis is wrapping up in Southwest Michigan.
According to MDHHS, as of Saturday, more than 430,000 acres had been treated and that’s not including the areas sprayed Sunday night which included parts of Allegan, Calhoun, Kent, Lapeer, Montcalm, and Van Buren counties.
Sunday’s treatment also included the Fort Custer Training Center which crosses into Kalamazoo County, but it was approved for the spraying even though Kalamazoo opted out of the action.
The most up-to-date information will be posted at Michigan.gov/EEE.
There have been 9-human cases of EEE in 6-counties with 4-deaths, and 34-animal cases in 15-counties so far this year.
The Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services Department is offering free bug spray to residents in need to help reduce the risk of EEE.
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.
