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Residents urge Onancock to pause mosquito spraying over environmental and health concerns
Summary
Multiple residents told the council they have observed bee losses and were alarmed by pesticide warnings; they urged the town to suspend spraying and to permit neighborhood opt-outs while council members agreed to put the subject on a future agenda for fuller discussion.
Several residents used public comment to urge the town to stop or pause its scheduled mosquito spraying program. One resident cited the product name used by the town and referenced EPA warnings about toxicity to aquatic organisms and bees, saying that several local hives died and suggesting an opt-out option for neighborhoods sensitive to pollinators and aquatic runoff.
Town manager Matt explained last year’s spraying budget and that the town considers spraying part of the public-health response; he noted residents were previously allowed to opt out but that spraying decisions affect neighboring yards. Council members asked to place the matter on a future agenda for a fuller policy discussion, including health risks, options for neighborhood opt-outs, and the trade-offs of pausing the program during a mosquito season when West Nile and other mosquito-borne threats are a public-health concern.
