Mosquito Spraying in East Boston August 20

The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) advises residents and community members in East Boston of upcoming spraying to help control mosquito populations in selected neighborhood areas.

BPHC partners with the Suffolk County Mosquito Control Project (SCMCP) to protect Boston residents from mosquito-borne disease transmission. SCMCP will be using a truck mounted aerosol sprayer to apply a formula that contains the pesticide, sumithrin, to control mosquitoes.

• Spraying is scheduled for neighborhoods located near Orient Heights, including streets in the vicinity of Orient Avenue, Boardman Street, Andrew Road, and Horace Street in East Boston. (See map below)
• Spraying will be conducted Tuesday, August 20, 2019 between dusk and 11:30pm. If spraying is postponed for any reason, it will be rescheduled for Thursday, August 22, 2019 between dusk and 11:30pm.

Residents do not need to take any special precautions for this application. 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 during and immediately following spraying. Beekeepers do not need to take any special precautions since spraying begins after dusk.

About Sumithrin: Sumithrin is a synthetic 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.

Mosquito species have different breeding habits, but most want to lay their eggs near water – usually in vegetation or in still water. To help prevent mosquitoes from breeding, BPHC advises residents to limit places around the home where standing water can collect. Residents should turn over unused flowerpots, 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.