Mosquito Spray Trucks Coming To Parts Of East Brunswick Thursday

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — The Middlesex County Mosquito Extermination Commission plans to spray for adult mosquitoes in part of East Brunswick on Thursday.

Trucks will spray from 6 p.m. to 11:59 p.m., weather permitting. If the weather is bad, the rain date is Friday, Oct. 9.

The spraying will cover the area between Old Bridge Turnpike, Rues Lane, Cranbury Road, Merill Avenue and Route 18. The commission said the missions are for nuisance adult mosquitoes and/or vector control.

Crews will use Zenivex E4 RTU (EPA No. 2724-807). The commission said the work follows sections 9.10 and 9.15 of the New Jersey Pesticide Control Code and that all applications will follow the product label.

The commission said truck spraying is safe. "The public health insecticides used do not pose a risk of harm to people, pets, animals, or the environment when applied according to label instructions, and they break down quickly without leaving lasting residue," the notice said.

Residents do not need to leave the area. The commission suggested these steps for anyone who wants to take extra care:

• Keep a safe distance from the spray truck and its equipment.

• Stay inside with windows and doors closed for 15 to 30 minutes while the truck passes, though the commission said this is not necessary.

• Bring pets, food and water bowls inside. Wash any uncovered outdoor toys or pet dishes before using them again.

• Beekeepers may want to loosely cover hives with a wet cloth or burlap.

• Wash backyard fruits and vegetables well before eating them. Garden beds can be covered with a light sheet during the spray window.

• Talk to a doctor if you think you are having health effects from the spraying, especially if you have chemical sensitivities or a respiratory condition.

Residents can check the commission's spray schedule for updates on times and locations. Notices may also appear on municipal social media pages, in local newspapers and through automated phone alerts.

For more on mosquitoes and spraying, contact Dr. Deepak Matadha, superintendent of the Middlesex County Mosquito Extermination Commission, at 732-549-0665. The commission is at 200 Parsonage Road in Edison.

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