You Ask, Patch Answers: How Can You Opt Out of the Town Mosquito Spraying Program?

The Town of Burlington's mosquito spraying program is set to begin in April of this year.

What if you don't want your yard sprayed? Well, You Ask, Patch Answers.

According to the Town of Burlington's web site, Burlington residents who would like to exclude their property from mosquito control spraying next summer should send a certified letter to the Burlington Town Clerk by March 1.

The letter should include your name, address, telephone number and the spray program for which the exclusion is requested. Click here for more information on the town's mosquito spraying program.

In addition to the letter, the boundaries of the property should be marked every 50 feet by orange surveyors tape or other appropriate means. The type of markings should be stated in the certified letter. (click here to print form)

Questions on pesticide applications by the East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project or the process to exclude properties from spraying can be answered by calling 781-899-5730.

According to a release by the Burlington Board of Health, the program uses a spray formulation containing the pesticide, sumithrin, to control mosquitoes. Sumithrin is a synthetic pyrethroid that is classified as slightly toxic by the EPA.

Mosquito control applications of sumithrin do not pose a significant risk to people or their pets due to the low toxicity of sumithrin and the small amount used to control mosquitoes, the Board of Health states. 

As with any pesticide, people should minimize exposure. If residents see a spray truck approaching, they are advised to go indoors for a couple of minutes while the spray dissipates. Residents are also advised to close windows facing the street.

Why spray?

Why does the town spray to kill mosquitoes?

According to a link by the Burlington Board of Health to the Sudbury Board of Health, there are 51 mosquito species commonly found in Massachusetts.

Habitats that produce different mosquito species include permanent swamps, temporary woodland pools, river flood plains, cattail swamps or artificial containers. The last item can be almost any container which can hold stagnant water for at least a week in the summer, including roadside highway drains, old rimless tires, unused swimming pools, uncovered empty trash cans, and bird baths.

Some species are very aggressive and persistent, while others are very shy. Finally, some deliver a more annoying bite that results in more itching.

Mosquitoes can also spread disease. According to the notice, the chance of acquiring a mosquito-borne disease in Massachusetts is extremely rare. However, the species which are believed to transmit Eastern Equine Encephalitis include some of the most numerous species, which on given nights can be caught on any suburban or rural property in eastern Massachusetts. Mosquitoes also transmit animal diseases, and the probability of a pet dog or cat acquiring heartworm is not so remote. It is recommended that a veterinarian give dogs and cats preventative medication.

Mosquitoes bites are also the most common way West Nile Virus is spread, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.