Truck-Mounted Mosquito Spraying Coming To Framingham

FRAMINGHAM, MA — A truck will travel through Framingham on Tuesday to spray mosquito pesticides, and the spraying arrives with the arrival of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in Massachusetts.

The spraying in Framingham will begin around dusk on Tuesday and last until just before midnight. The spraying will take place in the north end of the city between Saxonville and Garden in the Woods.

The truck will apply a product called Anvil, which contains a pesticide called sumithrin that kills adult mosquitoes. Experts say the pesticide poses minimal risk to humans and pets, but Framingham is advising that residents avoid the spray truck.

"As with any pesticide, people should minimize exposure," a city press release said. "If residents see a spray truck approaching, they are advised to go indoors for a couple of minutes while the spray dissipates. Residents are also advised to close windows."

On Friday, the state Department of Public Health announced that mosquitoes in the Orange and Athol areas had tested positive for EEE. The deadly virus emerged at the end of summer 2019, an infected 12 people — and three died. EEE outbreaks typically linger for two or more summers, according to health officials.

“It is early in the year for the first evidence of EEE, therefore, continued mosquito surveillance over the next several weeks will help us understand more about how quickly the virus might emerge this year," Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel said in a July 3 news release.

The Framingham spraying on Tuesday will take place near the following streets:

• Savoy Road
• Clara Road
• Swanson Road
• Riverpath Drive
• Maymont Drive
• Karal Drive
• Norman Drive
• Brookfield Terrace
• Meadow Lane