Andover Spraying after West Nile Discovered

This press release was provided by the Town of Andover. 

Last Friday, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health notified Andover officials that it had detected West Nile Virus (WNV) in two mosquito pools trapped in Andover on August 10, 2011.

Andover joins North Andover, Boxford, and several other communities in the northeast who have had mosquitoes test positive for WNV. The areas where the traps were located include Sacred Heart Cemetery near the Lawrence border, and the area of Chestnut Street at Morton Street in Andover.

Andover historically does not spray for adult mosquitoes, instead it participates in operations that address mosquito larvae and personal protection strategies. The last time the Town conducted any spraying was in 2001, when several mosquito pools tested positive in West Andover and North Tewksbury.

Once WNV is seen in the traps, it is expected that the possibility of transmission of the virus will increase unless some intervention is conducted. With close to seven weeks of mosquito biting season still before us and with cooler September weather making it difficult to apply treatment then, the Board of Health has determined that limited, targeted spraying is required to protect the citizens of Andover. Working with the Northeast Mosquito Control and Wetlands Management District (NMCWMD), the Board of Health has authorized the treatment of a portion of Andover via truck based apparatus, which will occur on the evening of August 17 or 18, 2011, between the hours of 9 PM and midnight.

NMCWMD will use an insecticide named Anvil which is being used in other communities in our area. The product is an insecticide used on adult mosquitoes, with the hope that this action will decrease the number of biting mosquitoes and interrupt the transmission of WNV for a few weeks, until cooler weather cuts down on mosquito activity. The ultra-low volume sprayers will cover an area about 300 feet from the street, depending on weather conditions, and will be used at a time when adult mosquito activity is at its highest, as the compound does not leave any residual in the environment.

In order to maximize the protection this treatment will provide, the Board and NMCWMD ask that residents in the target area survey their own yards for standing water and eliminate it. Of particular concern should be water that remains in gutter systems, in the wells of old tires stored in a yard, and stagnant water in bird baths. Other areas of concern include tarps used to cover wood piles, children’s toys, and buckets used to store items in a yard. The particular type of mosquito being targeted prefers to breed in “artificial containers” commonly found in yards, as opposed to wetlands and swamps.

The area to be treated will be northerly of a line that runs from Route 125 Bypass Road and follows Prospect Road, Salem Street, Phillips Street, Reservation Road, to Beacon Street, toward the Lawrence and North Andover town boundaries. A map will be available on the Town of Andover Website at www.andoverma.gov.

While the current treatment area is limited, residents throughout the town and surrounding communities should take precautions when outside during times of high mosquito activity. Wear long sleeved shirts and long pants, and use an insect repellent containing DEET.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need to close my windows or stop running my air-conditioner during the application? There is no need to do so, but it is fine if you choose to.

2. Is the chemical dangerous to humans? No. If it were dangerous, it would not be authorized for use; the compound is used extensively in this type of application by many communities state wide. If you are concerned with a potential exposure, then you should take action to avoid it.

3. How long will the chemical remain active? The compound is designed to affect adult mosquitoes on contact, and is no longer active when it dries. There is no residual left over.

4. How can I assist in ensuring that the treatment is effective? The drivers will not be able to complete the application if people or dogs are seen along the roads. Please walk your dogs before 9 PM and stay indoors during the spray times.

5. How soon can I resume activities once the spray truck drives by? Within a few minutes, the chemical will have done its job and dissipated.