A Guide to How to Opt Out of Mosquito Spraying in Your Area

July 19, 2025

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Not Everyone Wants Mosquito Spraying—And That’s Okay

Each summer, towns like Blackstone and Millville partner with the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project (CMMCP) to reduce mosquito populations through scheduled spraying. It’s free for residents and takes place weekly—in our case, every Monday through July for those who signed up (August schedule still hasn’t been released at the time of posting).

But not everyone is comfortable with mosquito control sprays near their property. Some residents have voiced concerns about impacts to pollinators, vegetable gardens, pets, livestock, and even their own health. Others simply prefer an organic or DIY approach to pest control.

The good news? You can opt out—as long as you follow the proper steps.

Exclusion Requests Must Be Filed With the State

Under updated Massachusetts law (333 CMR 13.03), residents can no longer submit exclusion requests to their town or CMMCP. Instead, all opt-out requests must go directly to the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR).

You may request to exclude your property from wide-area pesticide applications (which includes aerial or truck-based spraying) either online or by mail.

How to Opt Out of Mosquito Spraying

Submit Your Request

Via Online Form:
Submit your exclusion request here
By Mail (must be sent First Class):
Download and fill out the form from MDAR’s website. Details and instructions are available at:
How to Request an Exclusion

Your request must include:

Name of the landowner or tenant (and landlord contact info, if applicable).
Property address to be excluded.
Contact phone number.
Parcel ID if the property does not have a street address.
A description of the type(s) of spraying you want to exclude.

When It Goes Into Effect

Your exclusion will take effect 14 days after your request is received.
All exclusions expire on December 31 of the year they’re submitted.

Don’t Forget to Mark Your Property

Once your request is submitted, there’s one more step to make sure your property is skipped: clearly mark your boundaries with visible “No Spray” signs.

State guidelines require:

White plastic or aluminum plates, at least 9″ in diameter.
The words “No Spray” written in permanent marker.
Plates posted every 50 feet along the roadside edge of your property.
Signs placed no more than 5 feet from the street and easy to see.

This helps mosquito control crews easily identify properties that are excluded from spraying.

Why This Matters Locally

Mosquito control is an important public health service—especially as West Nile Virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses become more common across the state. That’s why both Blackstone and Millville offer free, scheduled spraying through CMMCP, with signups available online.

But not everyone is comfortable with pesticides, especially those with gardens, pollinators, animals, young children, or environmental sensitivities. Whether you live in a neighborhood, manage a farm, or simply prefer to handle pest control your own way, you have the right to opt out—as long as you follow the correct process through the state.

It’s also a good idea to talk with your neighbors. If they’ve requested spraying, your property may still be at risk of overspray. While exclusion requests apply only to your own land, respectful conversations can go a long way toward shared understanding.

By knowing how to opt out of mosquito spraying, you’re making sure your property is treated on your terms. There are clear steps—and it’s important to follow them carefully.

Helpful Resources Available Online:

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