MERRIMAC — The Northeast Massachusetts Mosquito Control Agency will conduct mosquito spraying after dark today. Rain date is tomorrow.
The spraying will be accomplished by means of a truck-mounted Ultra Low Volume (ULV) aerosol sprayer. ULV sprays up to 6 ounces of insecticide per acre, creating a 300- to 400-foot swath. Depending on wind direction, this swath will drift off the road, and tiny droplets will impinge on mosquitoes, effectively controlling the mosquitoes in the area.
A mosquito from the Birch Meadow Road area was recently found to be carrying West Nile virus, and spraying of the area, as well as the rest of town, was conducted. The mosquito was of the species melanura, which only bites birds, according to Board of Health Chairwoman Eileen Hurley. But another kind of mosquito, vexiens, feeds on both birds and humans and could transfer the virus.
The district uses Anvil (EPA Reg. No. 1021-1688-8329) for ULV applications. The active ingredient, Sumithrin, has a very low toxicity to mammals.
Most people are not expected to experience any adverse health effects after pesticide spraying for adult mosquito control. This includes pregnant women and unborn children. If a person has any questions or concerns, contact the Mosquito Control Office at 978-463-6630 for answers or to request that spraying be excluded from the specific property.
Mosquitoes usually breed in artificial containers such as catch basins, storm water structures, industrial parks and commercial or agricultural livestock facilities. Regularly empty any water-holding containers on property such as garbage cans, flower pots, swimming pool covers, watering troughs and birdbaths, and dispose of old tires.
