Pesticide to be Sprayed at RHS

The district will be spraying "non-low-impact" pesticides at the high school to ward off stinging insects after several previous unsuccessful attempts, according to a message sent to parents on Wednesday.

In a message posted to the district website, the grounds near the turret of the Little Theater are scheduled to be sprayed with an amorphous gel known as "Drione Dust" on Friday, Saturday and Monday. The spraying will take place at 3:30 p.m. on each of those dates.

Stinging insects "were becoming more threatening to students and staff," according to the message, necessitating district action. Attempts to use more environmentally friendly pesticides did not quell the problem, officials said, leading to heavier pesticide use.

Because the pesticide can be harmful, officials are cautioning people to avoid contact with the Drione Dust. Pregnant women and children are particularly at risk, according to the message.

Officials said in the message the district will be taking a closer look at its pest threshold while considering the use of "non-low-impact" pesticides as a preventative measure.

– James Kleimann