Part of an effort to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses to residents
The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) would like to advise residents and community members in East Boston of an upcoming spraying to help control the mosquito population in the neighborhood. The Suffolk County Mosquito Control Project will use truck-mounted aerosol sprayers to complete the work on Thursday, August 1, between dusk and 11:30 p.m. Spraying is scheduled to take place near Orient Heights, including streets in the vicinity of Orient Ave., Boardman St., Andrew Rd., and Horace St. If spraying needs to be postponed due to weather, it will be rescheduled for Monday, August 5.
The spray formulation utilizes the pesticide sumithrin to control the mosquito population. Mosquito control applications of sumithrin do not pose a significant risk to people or pets due to the chemical’s low toxicity and small amount used in spraying. As with any pesticide, people are advised to minimize their exposure to the chemical. If people see a spray truck approaching, they should go indoors for a few minutes while the spray dissipates. Residents are also advised to close any windows that face the street during the scheduled spraying hours.
While the pesticide poses little risk to people, BPHC and the Suffolk County Mosquito Control Project attempt to minimize the amount of aerosolized spraying that is done in the City of Boston. Other methods of mosquito control, such as applying larvicides to catch basins and wetlands around the city, are a priority.
To help prevent mosquitoes from breeding, BPHC advises residents to limit places around the home where standing water can collect. People should turn over unused flower pots, buckets, wheelbarrows, and garbage cans; remove leaves and other debris that can clog gutters and trap water; dispose of or cover old tires; and cover swimming pools when not in use.
Community members that have questions about the sprayings can contact the Suffolk County Mosquito Control Project at 781-899-5730.
Yesterday, BPHC announced that for the first time this summer a mosquito pool in Boston recently tested positive for West Nile Virus. Tests performed earlier this week confirmed one positive mosquito pool in Jamaica Plain. However, there have been no recorded human cases of mosquito-borne illnesses in Boston this year.
For more information on mosquito-borne illness, call the Boston Public Health Commission at 617-534-5611 or visit www.bphc.org/mbi.
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