GROUND ULTRA LOW VOLUME TRUCK SPRAYING TO CONTROL MOSQUITOES

The Northeast Massachusetts Mosquito Control and Wetlands Management District will conduct truck-spraying operations in Methuen in an effort to reduce mosquito populations that are potential vectors of West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). They will also be applying a two-week barrier spray to the vegetation surrounding the city’s athletic fields to help control and repel mosquito populations away from these fields.

No virus has been found in mosquitoes in Methuen as of yet. Health officials and the Mosquito Control are concerned with increasing numbers of potential vector species of mosquitoes and positive MNV mosquito samples collected in neighboring towns.

Truck spraying is a preemptive strategy and will reduce the risk for WNV and EEE transmission at this point in the season.

Truck spraying and the two-week barrier application will take place on Monday August 22, 2011 between the hours of 10PM and 4AM. Residents can close windows facing the street but no special precautions are necessary. Residents who don’t want their property sprayed or want further information can contact the Northeast Massachusetts Mosquito Control and Wetlands Management District at (978) 463-6630.

More information can also be found on the City of Methuen’s website, the Department of Public Health’s Website and the CDC’s website.