For Immediate Release: 6/30/2022 2:15 pm
The Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project (CMMCP) plans to spray areas of Worcester with mosquito pesticides next month on July 6, 12, 19, and 26.
Residents may opt out of having their property sprayed during wide area pesticide application by following instructions on the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources website (https://www.mass.gov/how-to/how-to-request-an-exclusion-or-opt-out-from-wide-area-pesticide-applications).
The CMMCP’s full spraying schedule will continue to be updated at www.cmmcp.org/home/pages/2022-spray-schedules, and specific areas to be sprayed will be posted both on its website and phone system (508-393-3055) each day after 3:30 p.m.
The scheduled dates are subject to change due to weather conditions, mosquito populations, mosquito virus activity, and/or special event spraying. According the CMMCP, the mosquito control program will cease once cool nighttime temperatures become predominant in the area.
Requests for service can be submitted at www.cmmcp.org/home/pages/request-service or by calling 508-393-3055, Monday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. More information is available by calling 508-281-6786 or emailing MosquitoProgram@mass.gov.
Residents are advised to observe the following precautions if their area is being sprayed:
Accidental exposure is not expected to cause any health concerns in most people, although anyone who suffers from chemical sensitivities or feels that spraying may aggravate a preexisting health condition should consult their physician and take special measures to avoid exposure if necessary. Accidental exposure to pets should also not cause a problem since the pesticide being used is similar to ones used for flea and tick control.
The CMMCP’s goal is to reduce mosquito exposure to the public and the potential for disease transmission by mosquitoes, including West Nile Virus and eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). Information about the products and Integrated Pest Management program used by CMMCP is available at https://www.cmmcp.org/pesticide-information.
To avoid mosquito bites and the diseases they can transmit, residents are encouraged to practice the “5 Ds:”