Natick Residents Can Get Mosquito Investigations At Home

NATICK, MA — The coronavirus pandemic is still a serious threat in Massachusetts, but it's also time to start thinking about the state's other deadly disease problem: mosquitoes.

Beginning on June 3, representatives from the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project will be available to come to Natick residents' homes to investigate potential mosquito problems. If an inspector finds a problem, residents can have pesticides sprayed to destroy the mosquitoes.

The tiny bloodsuckers carry West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis, which might still pose a threat this summer. In 2019, 12 Massachusetts residents were diagnosed with EEE and three died. According to the state Department of Public Health, EEE outbreaks happen every 10 to 20 years, and can last for up to three years at a time.

In Massachusetts, the pesticide called Bti is used to eradicate the larvae of mosquitoes, black flies, and fungus gnats. It's not harmful to humans, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

To get a mosquito investigation in Natick, call the CMMCP at 508-393-3055 between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. weekdays, or through the CMMCP's website.

Mosquito inspectors will be available to come to Natick on June 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, and 25, and July 1 and 2.