Aerial Spraying Lowers Mosquito Population in Easton

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

Despite the good news, 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 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.

Update: According to Health Agent Mark Taylor, four samples of mosquitoes found in Easton tested positive for non-mammal biting EEE and another sample tested positive for West Nile Virus. The samples were collected on Aug. 15 and 16 post-aerial-spraying.

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