Mid Massachusetts News

Personnel from the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project (CMMCP) are tentatively planning to be in Worcester on July 6, 11, 18, and 25 to respond to mosquito-related concerns from City residents. Requests for pesticide spraying in limited areas using truck-mounted equipment may be considered on those dates, but spraying will also be dependent on weather conditions and current mosquito thresholds. No aerial spraying is planned at this time.

In addition to mosquito spraying, the CMMCP offers a variety of services such as ditch maintenance and abandoned swimming pool treatment. Residents may access forms for all service requests on the CMMCP website at cmmcp.org, or they may call 508-393-3055, Monday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Information about the products and Integrated Pest Management program used by the CMMCP is available at cmmcp.org/pesticide-information.

The CMMCP’s full 2023 spraying schedule is available at cmmcp.org/home/pages/2023-spray-schedules, and specific areas to be sprayed will be posted both on its website and phone system (508-393-3055) each day after 3:30 p.m. The scheduled dates and locations are subject to change due to weather conditions, mosquito populations, mosquito virus activity, and/or special event spraying. According the CMMCP, the mosquito control program will cease once cool nighttime temperatures become predominant in the area.

Residents may opt out of having their property sprayed during wide-area pesticide application by following instructions on the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources website: mass.gov/how-to/how-to-request-an-exclusion-or-opt-out-from-wide-area-pesticide-applications.

The City will also notify residents in specific areas and neighborhoods to be sprayed via email, social media, and text. Residents interested in receiving these alerts should ensure that they are registered for ALERTWorcester (worcesterma.gov/emergency-communications/alertworcester) with an up-to-date email and/or phone number. Additional alerts will be sent if cases of mosquito-borne illness are detected and necessitate emergency spraying.

Residents are advised to observe the following precautions if their area is being sprayed:

• Close street-facing windows and turn off any “outside air” settings on air conditioners.

• Keep pets inside between sunset and midnight, and do not let children play near or behind truck-mounted applicators when they are in use

• Remain inside during the application and for 15-20 minutes afterwards

• Wash off any vegetables from home gardens after spraying and before consuming them

Accidental exposure is not expected to cause any health concerns in most people, although anyone who suffers from chemical sensitivities or feels that spraying may aggravate a preexisting health condition should consult their physician and take special measures to avoid exposure if necessary. Accidental exposure to pets should also not cause a problem since the pesticide being used is similar to ones used for flea and tick control.

To avoid mosquito bites and the diseases they can transmit, residents are encouraged to practice the “5 Ds:”

• DRESS in long sleeves and pants when possible. Cover up during periods of mosquito activity.

• DEET is an effective insect repellent. Always follow the label instructions.

• DAWN & DUSK are mosquitoes’ most active periods.

• DRAIN water from containers weekly. Avoid standing water, such as rain collecting in open bins, buckets, or toys.

Original source can be found here.