Town Announces Mosquito Spraying Schedule

Summer months have arrived, and with that comes the annual arrival of mosquitos. But this week, a chemical spraying will begin that the town hopes will keep the insects to a minimum.

In an announcement on the town website, officials said that the East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project will use a truck mounted with aerosol sprayers on Thursday between dusk and 11:30 p.m. 

In the event that spraying must be postponed, it will take place on Monday, June 30, for the same hours.

The town said spraying is scheduled for neighborhoods that are located in the vicinity of Powder Mill Rd., Powers Rd., Dakin Rd., Pantry Rd., Haynes Rd., Mossman Rd., Willis Rd. Ford Rd. and Maynard Rd.  Spraying will also be done near Landham Rd., Woodside Rd., Raymond Rd., Dudley Rd., Goodman’s Hill Rd. and Old Lancaster Rd.

To kill mosquitoes, a spray is used that contains the pesticide sumithrin, a chemical that the Board of Health said is considered "slightly toxic" by the Environmental Protection Agency.

However, the town also added that sumithrin does not pose significant risk to people or pets, because of the small amount used and the low levels of toxicity.

"As with any pesticide, people should minimize exposure," the town said. "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 facing the street. Beekeepers do not need to take any special precautions, because spraying begins after dusk."

More information regarding the spraying schedule and the area impacted can be found by a recorded message at (781) 893-5759, or by visiting www.sudbury.ma.us/services/health/emmcp/.

Any residents with questions can also contact the East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project by calling (781) 899-5730.