The East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project will be conducting helicopter applications of biological larvicide to control mosquito larvae in town over the summer. Residents do not need to take any special precautions for this application. See below for details on the general area of town where spraying will occur each week:
On Thursday, June 27, 2024, spraying is scheduled for areas of Reading that are in the vicinity of Sanborn Lane, Emerson Street, Pasture Road, Fairchild Drive, Van Norden Road, Grove Street, Lowell Street, Forest Street, Dustin Road, Berkeley Street, Bond Street, and Mineral Street.
On Wednesday, July 3, 2024, spraying is scheduled for areas of Reading that are located in the vicinity of Libby Avenue, Haverhill Street, Pearl Street, Charles Street, Pasture Road, Fairchild Drive, Van Norden Road, Forest Street, and roads off of Grove Street, and roads off of Franklin Street.
The East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project is planning to use a truck mounted aerosol sprayer to control mosquito populations. Spraying will be done between sunset and 11:30 PM. If postponed, spraying will be rescheduled for the following week.
The mosquito control product being used is Zenivex E4 (EPA Reg No. 2724.807), and it’s being applied at 1 oz per acre. Zenivex E4 is a non-ester pyrethroid and is classified by the EPA as a reduced risk pesticide. Mosquito control applications of Zenivex E4 do not pose a significant risk to people or their pets due to the low toxicity and the small amount used to control mosquitoes. As with any pesticide, people should minimize their exposure. If residents see a spray truck approaching, they are advised to go indoors for a few minutes while the spray dissipates. Residents are also advised to close windows. Beekeepers do not need to take any special precautions since spraying begins after sunset. Zenivex E4 biodegrades rapidly and doesn’t build up in the environment.
If residents have any questions related to mosquitoes or mosquito control, contact the East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project at 781-899-5730. The spray schedule can be found at the Project website at http://sudbury.ma.us/emmcp/.
