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Residents urge Onancock to pause mosquito spraying, citing wildlife and health concerns
Summary
Several residents urged the council to pause town-sponsored mosquito spraying for one to three years and requested an opt-out option, citing harm to wildlife and concerns about human health and bee kills; the council agreed to place opt-out discussion on next month's agenda.
Multiple residents asked the council to suspend or allow opt-out from municipal mosquito spraying, citing wildlife harm and possible human-health risks. Priscilla Hart told the council she recommended the town "eliminate mosquito spraying this year mainly because it is harmful to wildlife, and it is a known carcinogen to humans," and asked whether the town pays fees for credit-card processing shown in the budget. Dana Simson asked the council to allow residents the option to opt out of spraying and suggested a temporary pause of one to three years to study impacts; Peter Holt said he believes his beehives died following recent spraying operations.
Councilmember Joy Marino asked whether an opt-out option could be added to a future agenda and Mayor Fosque said the topic would be considered at the next meeting. No policy change or vote occurred on April 28; the transcript records public concern and a request for formal consideration at a subsequent meeting.
