August Mosquito Spraying In Shrewsbury: See 4 Dates

SHREWSBURY, MA — The Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project will soon begin July pesticide spraying in Shrewsbury to control the bloodsuckers in what could be a record-breaking year for mosquitoes.

The applications in Shrewsbury will take place on Aug. 6, 13, 20 and 27 at various locations around the town. The CMMCP releases a list of likely spraying locations during spraying days around 3:30 p.m. Check the locations here.

Earlier this spring, health departments across Massachusetts began seeing very high numbers of mosquitoes caught in traps. Since then, Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus have been confirmed in mosquito samples taken across the state.

As of this week, EEE had only been found in Barnstable and Plymouth counties. West Nile has been much more widespread, appearing in samples from Quincy to Marlborough to Holyoke.

The CMMCP uses a product called Zenivex E4 to kill adult mosquitoes. Residents can also opt out of spraying if desired. Separately, the CMMCP applies biological pesticides across wetland areas in spring to kill mosquito larvae. Those products use a bacterium that destroys the mosquito larvae.

Officials say the pesticides used to control mosquitoes pose a low risk of harming humans and pets. But the mosquito control project still advises people to remain indoors, close windows and doors turn off window air conditioners and fans. Residents should allow between 15 and 20 minutes to pass after the spraying truck leaves before going back outside.