[RP TownTalk] Mosquito spraying

Thu Aug 1 02:36:19 UTC 2013

The mosquito spraying program is run by the Maryland Department of
Agriculture.  You can read about it at
http://mda.maryland.gov/plants-pests/Pages/mosquito_control_program_description.aspx,
and see the schedule for this year (Riverdale Park is Tuesday evenings) at
http://mda.maryland.gov/plants-pests/Documents/PGSprayList2013.pdf

If you want to call and talk to someone, the number they provide is
410-841-5870.

>From reading the (very long) description, I suspect that last night's
spraying was for adult mosquitos; they say this is usually done "when
mosquito activity is high, wind velocity is 2 to 10 mph, air temperature is
between 60 to 85 degrees F, relative humidity is high and a temperature
inversion exists."  If it's Tuesday night, and the weather is as described,
it's likely to happen again.

Best,

Alan

On Wed, Jul 31, 2013 at 10:28 PM, Corey Slavitt <cls at pobox.com> wrote:

> **
> Late this afternoon, the Town of Riverdale Park's Public Works Office
> offered me a new phone number to direct questions on the details and
> practices of the County's pesticide spraying program here in Riverdale
> Park. The phone number is  reportedly for the County's Department of
> Environmental Resources at 301-883-6080. However, not much hope was
> offered after confirming that indeed the previous number offered for
> contact with the County was a correct one of record but was likely
> disconnected in favor of the County's 311 auto-answer service.
>
> I have not yet been successful in securing the appropriate email address
> to direct the same questions and concerns, but with some research, a good
> email address could be found. I've called our County Council Member Eric
> Olson's office in the past, but the individual answering the phone was busy
> with another constituent each time, took my name and number with the
> promise to call back, but never did. I think they have a lot going on, so
> email may be the best route since at least that is a communication of
> record for reference.
>
> From what I've seen of the spraying/fogging vehicle, it just activates
> lights and a horn and barrels through the center of the  street blasting a
> wide fog cone. If there's a breeze, front lawns and the interior of homes
> with windows open get hit, but if residents know in advance, they can take
> precautions  -- especially for those that have exhibited sensitivity to
> these pesticides in the past. The pesticides are reportedly deemed
> effective for all in terms of mosquito control, but for those, like me, who
> are sensitive to inhaling the pesticide, it is not good for them to
> directly inhale the airborne fog cloud while it is being dispensed.
>
> I've had some pets who are resilient to nearly everything -- they can
> scarf down plastic bags, lap up motor oil emptied in our streets from
> curbside mechanics (despite my efforts to intervene!!!!) and rally to do
> the same the next day. There are those though . . . especially as they age,
> that do not have the hefty immune systems of their youth, and have
> collapsed after walking across a lawn that had been recently treated for
> weeds. I think there's a lot we don't know yet about the long-term effects
> of these control programs -- positive or negative -- but knowing when the
> programs are scheduled to occur can make a big difference.
>
> Corey Slavitt
>
> From: Sheri Mattes Wake <smattes3 at gmail.com> [Add to Address Book]
> To: Valrie Hames <crownvhg at yahoo.com>
> Cc: Corey Slavitt <cls at pobox.com>, "towntalk at riverdale-park.org" <
> towntalk at riverdale-park.org>
> Subject: Re: [RP TownTalk] Mosquito spraying
> Date: Jul 31, 2013 9:20 PM
>
> also, is it safe for pets as long as they're not out there when it's
> sprayed?  or should we avoid the area for a while?  how long?  i had no
> idea this spraying was going on.
>
>
> On Wed, Jul 31, 2013 at 8:38 PM, Valrie Hames <
> crownvhg at yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> Can I ask if the spraying is done on all front lawns and is there a way to
> opt out?  If there is, have they acknowledge it in the past or just ignore
> it while sitting in a truck and spraying as they drive by.
>
> Valrie
>
> *From:* Corey Slavitt <cls at pobox.com>
> *To:* towntalk at riverdale-park.org
> *Sent:* Wednesday, July 31, 2013 2:51 PM
> *Subject:* Re: [RP TownTalk] Mosquito spraying
>
> Thanks for posting this Anne Marie.
>  I called the Town of Riverdale Park's Public Works Office today because
> I experienced the surprise of the pesticide fogging vehicle last night in
> the 5000 block of Oglethorpe Street, and hoped to get a spraying schedule
> from the Town. As I recall, there used to be a schedule for spraying
> written in the Town Crier. In previous years, I would mark my calendar for
> the spraying schedule and make sure my windows were closed and pets safe
> those days.
>
> Public Works told me today that it was a County function, and to find out
> the schedule I would need to call the County on their new 311 line where
> one leaves a recorded message in the hope of getting a return call later in
> time. Public Works did also give me a direct line to the County pesticide
> sprayers at 301-442-5080 (I think that was the number) but I only get a
> disconnection recording when I dial it. I will check back again with Public
> Works on that direct line number they gave me.
>
> With the rare break in humidity and some nice weather, I took a chance and
> turned off my central air conditioning and opened the windows for a few
> days. It was great until last night when there was a pretty strong breeze
> that blew the spraying vehicle's cloud into my windows, and the ceiling
> fans inside circulated the fumes quickly. I ran around like a wild woman
> last night, shutting windows and grabbing my cat off his perch in an open
> window. But it was too late. I was so ill through the night and this
> morning that I called in sick to work. My cat threw up along with me. Some
> people and animals are extra sensitive to pesticide spray.
>
> It is unfortunate to have this experience in tandem with the Riverdale
> Park's Green Team's quest to obtain Sustainable Maryland Certification. I
> filled out a survey about community needs regarding the certification back
> in March. I regret now not mentioning that the lack of spraying
> notification impacts the confidence of some residents to open their
> windows, turn off the AC, and be more green.
>
> Corey Slavitt
>
>
> From: Am <maryland_amwillis at yahoo.com> [Add to Address Book]
> To: towntalk at riverdale-park.org
> Subject: [RP TownTalk] Mosquito spraying
> Date: Jul 31, 2013 2:19 PM
> When was the town going to let the residents know when spraying was going
> to take place?
>
> Today my nanny called to tell me and rush my daughter and dog inside. What
> about the other pets outside! I also saw them @ three weeks ago coming home
> from work on evening.
>
> I'm on the list serve and NEVER saw a notice.
>
> Anne Marie Willis
>
> Sent from my iPhone
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