Mosquito Spraying Planned for the Orient Heights Area in East Boston

Part of an effort to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illness as warm weather returns

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 Orient Heights neighborhood.  The Suffolk County Mosquito Control Project is planning to spray for mosquitoes using truck mounted aerosol sprayers in the vicinity of Boardman Street, Gladstone Street, Waldemar Avenue, Andrew Road and Leverett Avenue on Tuesday, July 5.  If spraying is postponed on Tuesday night, it will be re-scheduled for Thursday, July 7.  All spraying is done between dusk and 11:30 PM.

A map depicting areas to be sprayed has been posted on the Project website at http://scmcp.webs.com

The Project uses a spray formulation containing the pesticide product Anvil to control mosquitoes.  Anvil contains the pesticide, sumithrin, to control mosquitoes.  Sumithrin is a pyrethroid that is classified as slightly toxic by the EPA.  Mosquito control applications of sumithrin do not pose a significant risk to people or their pets due to the low toxicity of sumithrin and the small amount used to control mosquitoes.  As with any pesticide, people should minimize exposure.  If residents see a spray truck approaching, they are advised to go indoors for a couple of minutes while the spray dissipates.  Residents are also advised to close windows facing the street.  Beekeepers do not need to take any special precautions since spraying begins after dusk.

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.

If residents have any questions related to the spraying or any questions on mosquitoes, they may call the Suffolk County Mosquito Control Project at 781-899-5730.  For a full list of upcoming sprayings, please visit bphc.org/mosquitocontrol.

For more information on mosquito-borne illness, call the Boston Public Health Commission at 617-534-5611 or visit www.bphc.org/mbi

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