KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Here’s the latest updates on the aerial spraying operations in Southwest Michigan to combat Eastern Equine Encephalitis.
— SPRAYING PLANS FOR TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1st —
Included below is a list of spraying sites for October 1st. Refer to the map image for where the sites are.
- Area 3-1 in Berrien County.
- Area 1-1 in Allegan County.
- Area 2-1 in Barry County.
- Areas 5-1 and 5-2 in Cass County.
- Area 4-1 in Calhoun County.
- Area 12-1 St. Joseph County.
- Area 13-1 in Van Buren County.
- Area 6-2 in Jackson County. (weather alternative)
- Areas 8-1 and 8-2 in Kent County. (weather alternative)
- Area 9-1 in Lapeer County. (weather alternative)
- Areas 10-1, 10-2 and 10-3 in Montcalm County. (weather alternative)
- Area 11-1 in Newaygo. (weather alternative)
The map can also be viewed at https://www.michigan.gov/documents/emergingdiseases/EEE_Aerial_Treatment_Zones_666895_7.pdf.
— SPRAYING PLANS IN SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN —
Aerial spraying is set to continue in several Southwest Michigan counties, but Kalamazoo County will not be one of them.
The first of several spraying operations began Monday night as low flying planes released the insecticide over parts of Van Buren, Cass, St. Joseph, and Berrien counties.
A map of the aerial treatment zones can be found here.
According to the MDHHS, as of September 30th, EEE has been confirmed in 9 people, with 3 fatalities, in Barry, Berrien, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo and Van Buren counties.
In addition, cases have occurred in 33 animals from 15 counties: Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Calhoun, Cass, Genesee, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lapeer, Livingston, Montcalm, Newaygo, St. Joseph and Van Buren.
— WHAT IS BEING SPRAYED? —
Many residents questioned the insecticide spray and we concerned on what effects it may have on humans, pets, water sources, and other insects like bees.
State health officials say the spray, called Merus 3.0., contains 5% pyrethrin which is a pesticide found naturally in some chrysanthemum flowers. It is deadly to mosquitoes and some other pests but apparently safe for humans and pets.
MDHHS says, “Mosquito control professionals will apply approved insecticides as an ultra-low volume (ULV) spray from a twin-engine plane that flies at approximately 300 feet above the ground. The ULV sprayers dispense very fine aerosol droplets. The droplets, which are smaller than the head of a pin drift through the air to kill adult mosquitoes on contact.”
More FAQs on the spray can be found here.
— NO SPRAYING IN KALAMAZOO COUNTY —
The Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services Department says there will be no aerial treatment spraying of insecticide at all in the county due to too many property owners opting out of the spraying.
“Due to the large amount of residents who have chosen to exercise their option to opt out under the MDARD law, aerial application of insecticide will no longer be an effective treatment option for Kalamazoo County.” said James Rutherford, Health Officer Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services.
Lynn Sutfin with the MDHHS says by Sunday night, about 1200 residents throughout the county sent emails saying they would not like the spraying to occur in their area.
County residents may still see planes flying over their properties due to neighboring counties being treated. Some sprayings have been postponed due to incliment weather.
— TAKE PRECAUTIONS AGAINST MOSQUITOES —
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.
More information can be found here.
