Another local New Hampshire community will get an early start to mosquito control for the upcoming summer and fall seasons.
The town of Plaistow begins its mosquito control program next week with efforts by Stratham-based Dragon Mosquito Control, which is conducting larvae control operations this week in nearby Sandown.
In Plaistow, crews will check swamps, marshes, woodland pools, ditches, storm drains and other sources of shallow stagnant water for mosquito larvae and apply insecticides as needed, according to a spokesperson.
If mosquitoes are detected carrying either the west nile virus or eastern equine encephalitis, emergency spraying may be conducted based on surveillance data, test results and weather conditions. Potential targets for spraying would include Pollard Elementary and Timberlane Regional school zones, the Geary Senior Center as well as Plaistow Area Recreational Complex and Smith Field.
A “no spray” option, through the company, is available to Plaistow residents who do not want their wetland areas treated. Residents may also contact Dragon Mosquito Control to have stagnant water on private property checked for mosquito larvae at no charge.