Mosquito control crews are expected to be in Worcester on four dates this month, giving residents an opportunity to request help with mosquito problems as summer heat and humidity settle over the region.
The Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project has tentatively scheduled work in the city for July 7, 14, 21 and 28, according to an announcement from the City of Worcester. Residents may request pesticide spraying in limited areas using truck-mounted equipment, although whether spraying takes place will depend on weather conditions and mosquito population thresholds.
No aerial spraying is planned at this time.
The July schedule is part of a broader mosquito control program that also includes services such as ditch maintenance and treatment of abandoned swimming pools, which can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Residents seeking service can submit requests through the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project or call its office at 508-393-3055 between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The mosquito control agency posts specific areas scheduled for treatment each day after 3:30 p.m. through its website and phone system. The schedule can change because of weather, mosquito populations, detection of mosquito-borne viruses or the need for spraying related to special events, according to the city announcement.
The city will also notify residents in neighborhoods scheduled for spraying through email, social media and text alerts. Residents who want to receive direct notifications are encouraged to make sure their contact information is current in the ALERTWorcester emergency notification system.
Additional alerts would be issued if mosquito-borne illness is detected and emergency spraying becomes necessary.
Residents in areas scheduled for treatment are advised to close windows facing the street and turn off air-conditioning settings that draw in outside air. Pets should be kept inside between sunset and midnight, and residents should remain indoors during pesticide application and for 15 to 20 minutes afterward, according to the announcement.
The city also advises residents to wash vegetables grown in home gardens before eating them following spraying and to keep children away from truck-mounted pesticide applicators while they are operating.
According to the announcement, accidental exposure is not expected to cause health concerns for most people. Those with chemical sensitivities or health conditions that could be aggravated by spraying are advised to consult their physicians and take additional steps to avoid exposure when necessary.
Residents may also request that their property be excluded from wide-area pesticide applications through the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources.
Beyond spraying, public health guidance continues to emphasize prevention. Residents are encouraged to wear long sleeves and pants when possible, use insect repellent according to label directions and take extra precautions around dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
Standing water should also be emptied from buckets, bins, toys and other containers at least weekly. Window and door screens can help keep mosquitoes outside, while clothing treated with insect repellent can offer additional protection.
The mosquito control program is expected to continue until cool nighttime temperatures become predominant in the region.
