Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at an 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

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08/23/2019

Plans Finalized for Mosquito Spraying in Pachaug State Forest

The State of Connecticut Mosquito Management Program will be spraying for mosquito control in areas of the Pachaug State Forest considered to be at high risk for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus and West Nile virus (WNV). The spraying will be conducted in Mt. Misery campground and the nearby Horse Camp also known as the Frog Hollow Horse Camp, and on roads from the main forest entrance to Hell Hollow Road. Spraying is scheduled to begin Monday, August 26, 2019 at 7:00 pm, weather permitting, and will continue overnight until completed. Roads will be closed to vehicular traffic during the spraying. The area to be sprayed is not a residential area and no precautions are needed for residents in surrounding areas.
This is an area where high concentrations of mosquitoes infected with EEE virus and WNV have been identified, including mosquito species known to bite humans.  EEE is a rare but potentially deadly disease in people and horses. WNV is found in Connecticut most summers and can cause severe disease in humans and horses.  Horse owners are reminded to review vaccination records with their veterinarians to ensure that EEE and WNV vaccinations are current and their horses are protected during the mosquito season.
The pesticide used is a product called Anvil which contains the active ingredient d-phenothrin, also called sumithrin. Sumithrin is similar to the natural compounds used in pesticide products used indoors including many common sprays for fleas and flying insects.
Spraying reduces risk of infection with EEE and WNV virus, but does not completely eliminate risk. People spending time in the area should continue to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites.
These include:
  • Minimize time outdoors at dusk and dawn.
  • Be sure door and window screens are tight fitting and in good repair.
  • Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts. Clothing material should be tightly woven.
  • Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors.
  • Consider using mosquito repellent when it is necessary to be outdoors and always use them according to label instructions. The most effective repellents contain DEET or Picaridin. Oil of lemon eucalyptus is also effective for brief periods of exposure.
Connecticut Mosquito Management Program
The response to mosquito transmitted diseases in Connecticut is a collaborative inter-agency effort involving the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) the Department of Public Health (DPH), the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Pathobiology at the University of Connecticut (UCONN). These agencies are responsible for monitoring mosquito populations and the potential public health threat of mosquito-borne diseases.
For information on WNV and other mosquito-borne diseases, what can be done to prevent getting bitten by mosquitoes, the latest mosquito test results and human infections, visit the Connecticut Mosquito Management Program web site at https://portal.ct.gov/mosquito.
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