Lexington Mosquito Control Takes on Larvae in Wetlands

LEXINGTON, MA – The itchiest part of summer is on the horizon, but the Town of Lexington is poised to take a pre-emptive strike. That's right, Lexington has a plan to take on mosquitos. In conjunction with the East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project, the town will conduct helicopter application of a biological larvicide to curb the population.

The targets? Tophet Swamp, Hayden Woods, the Five Fields area, Great Meadows, Meagherville conservation area and the upper Vine Brook region. Low-flying choppers will apply the larvicide between April 19 and April 27.

According to the Town of Lexington, the larvicide, Bti, is a natural bacterium found in soil. It is relatively non-toxic and targets mosquito larvae and closely related insects in the fly family. It stays suspended in water for 24-48 hours and then biodegrades.

Residents do not need to take any special precautions.

For more information, contact the East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project at 781-899-5730.

Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons/CDC