City of Worcester, MA

Worcester Mosquito Control Spraying Schedule Announced for June

For Immediate Release: 5/25/2022 4:42 pm

The Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project (CMMCP) notified the Worcester Division of Public Health and Department of Inspectional Services that it currently plans to spray areas of the city with mosquito pesticides next month on June 1, 7, 14, 22, and 28. 

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. 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), and 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:

• Close street-facing windows and turn off any “outside air” settings on air conditioners.
• Keep pets inside between sunset and midnight, and do not let children play near or behind truck-mounted applicators when they are in use
• Remain inside during the application and for 15-20 minutes afterwards
• Wash off any vegetables from home gardens after spraying and before consuming them

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:”

• DRESS in long sleeves and pants when possible. Cover up during periods of mosquito activity.
• DEET is an effective insect repellent. Always follow the label instructions.
• DAWN & DUSK are mosquitoes’ most active periods.
• DRAIN water from containers weekly. Avoid standing water, such as rain collecting in open bins, buckets, or toys.