Aerial Mosquito Spraying Coming To Medford

MEDFORD, MA — The East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project will conduct aerial spraying of the biological larvicide Bti to control mosquito larvae over large wetland areas of Medford.

Wetlands currently being evaluated for application are in the areas of Wright's Pond, Silver Mine Hill, Bellevue Pond tributary and north of Medford High School. Spraying will take place between April 19 and April 30.

The Bti will be applied in a granular formulation by a helicopter flying low directly over the wetlands. Residents do not need to take any special precautions for this application.

Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis) is a natural bacterium found in soil. The EPA classifies it as a relatively non-toxic pesticide. It 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.

For further information contact the East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project at 781-899-5730.