As of late August, Massachusetts health officials reported two cases of the eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus, with similar numbers in other New England states. While rare, there is no vaccine for it, and those who contract it severely have about a 30% chance of dying.

In light of this, it is essential to take EEE seriously.

The state will conduct aerial and truck-based spraying of Anvil 10+10, which contains Sumithrin (d-Phenothrin) and Piperonyl Butoxide (PBO), a possible carcinogen.

This approach is misguided for the following reasons:

  1. Broad-spectrum insecticide spraying shows little to no evidence of reducing EEE risk.
  2. These chemicals can contaminate water and soil, harming pollinators, amphibians, fish, and aquatic life.
  3. Aerial and truck spraying can drift, contaminating unintended areas, with only drinking water sources and certified organic farms excluded.
  4. These pesticides damage the habitats of mosquito predators like birds, bats, and eels, potentially increasing mosquito populations and perpetuating a harmful cycle.

Better ways to protect yourself include:

  1. Use mosquito repellent or wear long clothing.
  2. Avoid outdoor activities from dusk to dawn in August and September.
  3. Ensure window screens are intact.
  4. Remove standing water sources, such as bird baths and buckets, to prevent breeding.

Stay informed with these resources for updates on spraying locations, its dangers, and opt-out instructions:

Spray map | Arbovirus update | MASSQuito Coalition | Opting-Out

Speak out! Urge your elected officials to prioritize public education on mosquito protection rather than resorting to harmful pesticide spraying.

This legislative session was disappointing for environmental and progressive campaigns, with our priority bills stalling before the July 31st deadline. However, progress is still possible in the informal session.

Keep contacting your state legislators to build support—your advocacy makes a difference, even if the bills don’t pass now.

Just as we achieved the 2021 ban on neonic pesticides, your efforts can drive change in other ways. Let’s keep pushing forward!

Here are our priority bills that could still advance before the informal session ends in 2024:

  1. Create a Pesticide Reform Task Force (S.521/H.783) – Establishes a task force to address systemic pesticide concerns.
  2. Center Farmers within PFAS reforms (H.4288) – Ensures PFAS regulations don’t unfairly burden farmers.
  3. Modernize Pesticide Reporting AND Protect children from pesticide exposure (S.487/H.825) – Improves pesticide reporting and safeguards children from exposure.
  4. Promote Ecological Mosquito Control (S.445/H.845) – Advocates for science-based, environmentally friendly mosquito control.
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