CMMCP advises residents to eliminate sources of standing water
Please be advised that the Central Mass. Mosquito Control Project (CMMCP) will begin the 2024 larval mosquito control program on or about March 18, 2024. This program will be a continuation of the practices and procedures that have been used in past years. CMMCP will be conducting larval control applications in low-lying swampy areas where mosquito larvae are present using a granular form of Bti (Bacillus fhuringiensis israelensis), a naturally occurring soil bacterium that specifically targets mosquito larvae. Additional applications will be made during the summer months if larval surveillance determines that additional control efforts are required.
Information on Bti and all products used by CMMCP can be found on our website. Bti is virtually non-toxic to humans, plants and animals. This product is impregnated on coarsely ground corncob granules, and is applied by hand at an application rate of 5-20 lbs per acre. According to the EPA website, “Bti has no toxicity to people and is approved for use for pest control in organic farming operations. It has been well tested by many studies on acute toxicity and pathogenicity (ability to cause disease) for Bacillus thuringiensis including studies specifically on Bti. Based on these studies, EPA has concluded that Bti does not pose a risk to humans.”
Current research shows that the mosquito species most likely to be potential vectors of West Nile Virus (WNV) develop in containers that hold water for more than five days. The public can play a major role in controlling these vectors by eliminating all standing water in containers on their property.
CMMCP has distributed educational brochures and bookmarks to area town halls and libraries to educate the public on ways to reduce mosquito emergence. The larval control program in area catch basins targeted at these WNV vectors will begin in mid to late May and will continue throughout the summer. CMMCP also has a tire collection program residents can participate in; please see the website for details and to request a pickup.
Note: CMMCP will issue additional notices starting in May before residential fogging applications begin. These notices are issued two weeks prior to each scheduled month and are available on our website.
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