WORCESTER—Some people from the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project (CMMCP) are tentatively planning to be in Worcester on July 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 to respond to mosquito-related concerns residents may have about these seasonal pests.
Requests for pesticide spraying in limited areas using truck-mounted equipment may be considered on those dates, but spraying depends 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 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Information about the products and Integrated Pest Management program used by the CMMCP is available right here: program info.
The CMMCP’s full 2024 spraying schedule is available here, 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.
Want to opt out of having your property sprayed during the wide-area pesticide application? Fill this form out.
Officials from the city plan to notify residents in specific areas and neighborhoods to be sprayed via email, social media, and text. Make sure to sign up for ALERTWorcester to receive these. 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.
Clothing treated with insect repellent is also available, and permethrin—the repellent commonly used—can be applied to treat clothing manually. Installing and repairing screens will help to keep mosquitoes out of homes.
News can be sent to Charlene Arsenault at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org
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