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Mosquito
spraying planned for East Boston starting August 1 near OH
Part of an effort to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne
illnesses to residents
(BOSTON July 26, 2013) – The Boston
Public Health Commission (BPHC) would like to advise residents and
community members in East Boston of an upcoming spraying to help
control the mosquito population in the neighborhood. The Suffolk
County Mosquito Control Project will use truck-mounted aerosol
sprayers to complete the work on Thursday, August 1, between dusk
and 11:30 p.m. Spraying is scheduled to take place near Orient
Heights, including streets in the vicinity of Orient Ave., Boardman
St., Andrew Rd., and Horace St. If spraying needs to be postponed
due to weather, it will be rescheduled for Monday, August 5.
The spray formulation utilizes the pesticide sumithrin to control
the mosquito population. Mosquito control applications of sumithrin
do not pose a significant risk to people or pets due to the
chemical’s low toxicity and small amount used in spraying. As with
any pesticide, people are advised to minimize their exposure to the
chemical. If people see a spray truck approaching, they should go
indoors for a few minutes while the spray dissipates. Residents are
also advised to close any windows that face the street during the
scheduled spraying hours.
While the pesticide poses little risk to people, BPHC and the
Suffolk County Mosquito Control Project attempt to minimize the
amount of aerosolized spraying that is done in the City of Boston.
Other methods of mosquito control, such as applying larvicides to
catch basins and wetlands around the city, are a priority.
To help prevent mosquitoes from breeding, BPHC advises residents to
limit places around the home where standing water can collect.
People should turn over unused flower pots, 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.
Community members that have questions about the sprayings can
contact the Suffolk County Mosquito Control Project at 781-899-5730.
Yesterday, BPHC announced that for the first time this summer a
mosquito pool in Boston recently tested positive for West Nile
Virus. Tests performed earlier this week confirmed one positive
mosquito pool in Jamaica Plain. However, there have been no recorded
human cases of mosquito-borne illnesses in Boston this year.
For more information on mosquito-borne illness, call the Boston
Public Health Commission at 617-534-5611 or visit
www.bphc.org/mbi.
Source:
Suffolk County Mosquito
Control Project, 781-899-5730; BPHC Communications, 617-534-2821
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