Published in the April 19, 2016 edition.
WAKEFIELD — The East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project will be conducting a helicopter application of the biological larvicide, Bti, to control mosquito larvae over large wetland areas located by Belmont Road, Forest Street, Sherman Road and the Mill River flood plain by Nahant Street and Farm Road. The application will be conducted between April 19 and 26. A helicopter flying low directly over the wetlands will apply a granular formulation of Bti. Residents do not need to take any special precautions for this application.
The material to be applied Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis) is a natural bacterium found in soil. The EPA classifies Bti as a relatively non-toxic pesticide. Bti is considered a target selective and environmentally compatible pesticide that affects mosquito larvae and a few closely related aquatic insects in the fly family. Once applied Bti stays suspended in water for 24 to 48 hours and then biodegrades as it settles to the bottom. The product name of the Bti is VectoBac-G (EPA Reg. #73049-10).
For further information contact the East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project at 781-899-5730.
