Massachusetts Mosquito Population Expected To Increase After Heavy Rain

By Mike Sullivan, CBS Boston

July 19, 2023

NORTHBORO - A recent stretch of heavy rain across New England is leaving some towns flooded and others soggy. The stagnant water can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

"We are expecting certain populations of species to increase," said Timothy Deschamps, Executive Director of the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project (CMMCP)."

CMMCP crews in Massachusetts have been treating and assessing wetlands for mosquitoes. They use special bacteria that target the larvae to slow population growth. Their scientists inspect thousands of trapped, dead mosquitoes under a microscope. They are looking for certain distinctions to see if they have the potential to carry diseases. If they look suspicious, they are sent to a lab for testing.

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