FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Caitlin McLaughlin
(857)393-0002
cmclaughlin@bphc.org
MOSQUITO SPRAYING PLANNED FOR EAST BOSTON, WEST ROXBURY, AND HYDE PARK
BOSTON – Monday, August 3, 2020 – The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) advises residents and community members in East Boston, Hyde Park and West Roxbury of upcoming spraying to help control mosquito populations in selected neighborhood areas. BPHC partners with the Suffolk County Mosquito Control Project (SCMCP) to protect Boston residents from mosquito-borne disease transmission.
SCMCP will be using a truck mounted aerosol sprayer to apply a formula that contains the pesticide, sumithrin, to control mosquitoes. The spraying happens between sunset and 11:30pm.
- On Monday, August 10, 2020, spraying is scheduled in East Boston for neighborhoods located near Orient Heights, including streets in the vicinity of Orient Ave., Boardman St., Andrew Rd. and Horace St. If spraying is postponed, it will be rescheduled for Wednesday, August 12, 2020.
- On Tuesday, August 11, 2020, spraying is scheduled for neighborhoods of West Roxbury that are located east of Centre St., east of Grove St., west of Washington St. and south of Lagrange St. Enneking Parkway and Turtle Pond Parkway in Hyde Park will also be sprayed. If spraying is postponed, it will be rescheduled for Thursday, August 13, 2020.
Residents do not need to take any special precautions for this application. As with any pesticide, people should minimize exposure. If residents see a spray truck approaching, they are advised to go indoors for a couple of minutes while the spray dissipates. Residents are also advised to close windows during and immediately following spraying. Beekeepers do not need to take any special precautions since spraying begins after dusk.
About Sumithrin: Sumithrin is a synthetic pyrethroid that is classified as slightly toxic by the EPA. Mosquito control applications of sumithrin do not pose a significant risk to people or their pets due to the low toxicity of sumithrin and the small amount used to control mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes in Boston are most active from dusk to dawn during the months of July to September. However, mosquitoes can spread disease until the first hard frost (as late as November). Mosquito species have different breeding habits, but most want to lay their eggs near water – usually in vegetation or in still water. To help prevent mosquitoes from breeding, BPHC advises residents to limit places around the home where standing water can collect. Residents should turn over unused flowerpots, 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.
BPHC partners with the SCMCP to control the mosquito population in certain areas of Boston. SCMCP collects mosquito samples in traps every week during the summer and fall. Those mosquito samples are tested to see if West Nile Virus (WNV) or Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) are present. Mosquito control measures are also implemented during the summer and fall months. Wetlands, storm drains and other areas around the city are treated to limit the number of mosquitoes by killing mosquito larvae. In April of 2020, there were sprayings in Hyde Park and West Roxbury. Click here for more information about the mosquito control work of BPHC and its partnership with SCMCP.
For further information contact the Suffolk County Mosquito Control Project at 781-899-5730.
Fact sheets on mosquito-borne illnesses are available in English, Chinese, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Spanish and Vietnamese.
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About the Boston Public Health Commission
The Boston Public Health Commission, one of the country’s oldest health department, is an independent public agency providing a wide range of health services and programs. It is governed by a seven-member board of health appointed by the Mayor of Boston.
Public service and access to quality health care are the cornerstones of our mission – to protect, preserve, and promote the health and well-being of all Boston residents, particularly those who are most vulnerable. The Commission’s more than 40 programs are grouped into six bureaus: Child, Adolescent & Family Health; Community Health Initiatives; Homeless Services; Infectious Disease; Recovery Services; and Emergency Medical Services.
Boston Public Health Commission, 1010 Massachusetts Ave, Second Floor, Boston, MA 02118