Social media throughout many South Jersey towns “lit up” last night with reports of a foul chemical smell that some described as smelling like cat urine, natural gas or even citrus. The source of the smell was traced to an aerial “mosquito control” spraying in the area of Hammonton NJ.
This mosquito control treatment was conducted by Atlantic County and was not the first of 2024, so it’s not clear at this point why this particular treatment impacted so many communities in South Jersey.
I did speak with an Atlantic County’s Public Information Officer, who is checking on the spraying.
For South Jersey, residents in communities including Franklin, Monroe, Washington, Deptford, Winslow Gloucester Township, Clementon, Laurel Springs and more reported the odor last evening (September 3rd). A Reddit post shows many in Philadelphia smelt it!
Apparently many dialed 911 concerned of a chemical leak. This caused some South Jersey Emergency Management teams to make official announcements in hopes of reducing impact on 911 services.
According to information shared ahead of the event, the Atlantic County Office of Mosquito Control stated the spraying took place Tuesday between 6:00 and 8:00 PM. The goal is to reduce the population of adult mosquitoes and prevent the spread of mosquito borne illnesses. The West Nile virus has recently been reported on the rise with two recent deaths in New jersey.
While this was not a Camden County effort… Camden County Commissioner Jeff Nash posted an update to a Winslow Township Facebook Group, and stated that Camden County would have an official statement later today (although this was not an Camden County project)
LAST NIGHT’S ODOR… if you experienced a terrible odor that was similar to a natural gas smell. The cause of that odor was an aerial mosquito spray initiated by Atlantic County. From what I understand, there are sections of Atlantic County, close to our homes (Winslow), that had an increase in Mosquito borne diseases, such as West Nile Virus. The spray was prompted by that concern.
Thank You, Jeff Nash
Camden County was not involved in this aerial spray and will be issuing a formal statement this morning.
Camden County Commissioner
According to information provided by Hammonton and Atlantic County, officials used Fyfanon which is the trade name for Malathion. It is applied as an ultra low volume aerosol.
The Atlantic County the news release ahead of the spraying stated that the EPA does not require relocating or taking special precautions during mosquito control spraying of this chemical, although some may choose to avoid or minimize exposure by staying indoors with windows shut, and keeping children’s toys and pets inside.
Several government entities posted on social media last night due to numerous calls from residents including; the Gloucester County Emergency Management Services Office, the Borough of Clementon Emergency Management, the Gloucester Township police and others.