HOOKSETT - The town of Hooksett has tentatively scheduled spraying for mosquitoes at town lands on Saturday, Sept. 15. Three parks will be sprayed: Donati Park, Fraiser Park and Peterbrook Field.

Mosquito-borne illnesses such as West Nile virus (WNV) and Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) are being found in the area. The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services confirms 26 batches of mosquitoes that tested positive this year, and one case of WNV was confirmed in Manchester last month.

Hooksett Town Administrator Dean Shankle said concern over mosquito-borne diseases prompted the town to take action.

“The health officer (Matt Labonte) started the process in light of the governor’s recent declaration” Shankle said.

Gov. John Lynch has declared a public health threat in the state on Aug. 25. Shankle added that declaration has expedited the state permitting process for spraying. The cost of spraying will be around $2,000 and will come out of the Department of Public Works budget.

The town has contracted with Dragon Mosquito Control of Stratham to conduct the spraying. Spokesperson Sarah MacGregor said the company plans to spray from trucks as well as on foot from backpacks. Two chemicals will be used, Anvil and Cross Check, and both disipate quickly. Any sprayed fields will be safe to use within hours, said MacGregor.

Jason Behling of the Hooksett Youth Athletic Association said the impact of spraying will be minimal on scheduled games.

“Mostly soccer, which is played on Saturdays,” said Behling. “Football is usually played on Sundays.”

Both Behling and Shankle said there has actually been little public response to mosquito spraying. Behling said one parent of an HYAA participant asked what the town planned to do about the mosquito threat. Behling also said he felt the town is responding quickly, but that it takes time to hire a sprayer and get state approval.

Shankle said a Town Council meeting is scheduled prior to spraying on Wednesday, Sept. 12, if anyone wants to comment on the matter.