The East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project will be conducting a helicopter application of the biological larvicide, Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis), to control mosquito larvae. Areas currently being evaluated in Reading are located near near Brentwood Drive/Fairchild Drive, Lindsey Lane, Main Street/Nelson Avenue, and off Haverhill St. (near Timberneck Drive, Symonds Way, Charles Street).
One helicopter application will take place between April 18, 2023 and May 5, 2023 with a potential second application. 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 is a natural occurring bacterium found in soil, and is classified by the EPA as relatively non-toxic. Bti is target specific and only affects mosquito larvae and a few closely related aquatic insects in the fly family. Bti breaks down quickly in the environment. The product to be used is VectoBac GS (EPA Registration #73049-10).
If residents have any questions related to mosquitoes or mosquito control, contact the East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project at 781-899-5730. The spray schedule can be found at the Project website at http://sudbury.ma.us/emmcp/
