East Middlesex Control Project to conduct aerial treatments in 2025
Residents in several Middlesex County communities may notice low-flying helicopters this spring and summer as part of an ongoing effort to control mosquito populations. The East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project has announced that it will conduct aerial applications to target mosquito larvae in large wetland areas between April 1 and October 31.
The program aims to reduce mosquito populations by applying larvicide treatments over wetlands in Bedford, Belmont, Burlington, Framingham, Lexington, Maynard, Medford, Melrose, North Reading, Reading, Sudbury, Wakefield, Waltham, Wayland, Wellesley, Weston, and Winchester. These applications are a routine part of mosquito control efforts to help mitigate the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses.
The larvicide products that will be used include VectoBac GR (EPA Reg. #73049-486) and VectoBac GS (EPA Reg. #73049-10). These products contain Bacillus thuriniensis israelensis (Bti), a naturally occurring bacterium that targets mosquito larvae while posing minimal risk to other wildlife and humans.
The helicopter applications will be scheduled based on environmental conditions and mosquito breeding patterns, meaning treatments may take place at any time within the designated period.
Residents with questions or concerns can contact East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project at 781-899-5730 for further information.
Image by Adobe Stock.
