For Immediate Release: 5/25/2018 1:00 pm
The City of Worcester announced today that it has entered into a partnership with the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project (CMMCP) to offer comprehensive mosquito control services and programs throughout the City this summer. The goal is to reduce mosquito exposure to the public and the potential for disease transmission by mosquitoes.
“With insect-borne illness on the rise across the country, growing mosquito populations is not only a public nuisance but a public health concern,” said City Manager Edward M. Augustus Jr. “With the support of Mayor Petty and the City Council, we are taking a proactive approach to education and prevention.”
Together with the City of Worcester’s Division of Public Health (WDPH) and the Department of Inspectional Services, CMMCP will provide education about mosquito biology and personal protection, mosquito surveillance, ditch maintenance, research, tire recycling, beaver control, water mitigation and mosquito spraying. CMMCP staff will evaluate locations for trapping and testing in addition to working with the Department of Public Works & Parks on mitigating mosquito breeding areas in catch basins.
“The first line of defense is education,” said Karyn Clark director of WDPH. “We look forward to working with the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project to better inform the public on methods of personal protection and proven strategies to reduce mosquito and tick populations in and around their property.”
Beginning June 4, CMMCP will commence the spray schedule, which is available at www.cmmcp.org/pesticide.htm or by phone at (508) 393-3055. Spraying will only be done based on requests received from residents. Requests for service may be made Monday through Friday 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Residents are encouraged to contact CMMCP to register mosquito complaints, ask questions and request further investigation of mosquito areas.
