Post-Spraying Pet Care & Other Issues

Last night, August 24, the City of Woodstock was scheduled to spray the town with an adulticide to control the mosquito population that has been bothering many since the flooding two weeks ago.

The City’s website contained no information about any hazard to people or pets, and this morning the Police Department wasn’t able to advise whether the spraying had been done.

If it was, you may want to empty, wash and refill pet water and food dishes that are outside and also any bird baths. Check with your veterinarian about whether your pet should be washed down, if it rolls in the wet grass this morning. If you have indoor/outdoor dogs and cats, you may want to consider what they drag into the house on their paws, hair and fur before you let them back on furniture or laps or near your children.

How about that porch and yard furniture? Going to scrub it down? And what about those outside dining tables and chairs at Starbuck’s and Square restaurants? Think those were washed down this morning before the first customers arrived?

The website of San Mateo County, Calif., advises “Adulticide materials used (there) pose very little risk to humans or the environment.” And “It is not necessary to wash off outdoor furniture or playground equipment before use.”

The U.S.E.P.A. advises, “Pyrethroids used in mosquito control programs do not pose unreasonable risks to wildlife or the environment. Pyrethroids, when applied at mosquito control rates, are low in toxicity to mammals, and are practically nontoxic to birds. Mosquito control formulations of permethrin break down in the environment, and high temperatures and sunlight accelerate this process. However, pyrethroids are toxic to fish and to bees. For that reason, EPA has established specific precautions on the label to reduce such risks, including restrictions that prohibit the direct application of products to open water or within 100 feet of lakes, streams, rivers or bays.”

Don’t you just love words like “unreasonable” and “practically”? If these chemicals are toxic to some things, don’t you want to know it, so that you can make your own informed decision about exposure?