Mosquito Spraying In Shrewsbury: 5 Dates In July

SHREWSBURY, MA — The Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project will soon begin July pesticide spraying in Marlborough to control the bloodsuckers, with a potentially record-breaking year for mosquitoes on the horizon.

The applications in Shrewsbury will take place on July 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 at various locations around the city. The CMMCP releases a list of likely spraying locations during spraying days around 3:30 p.m. Check the locations here.

Earlier this spring, health departments across Massachusetts — including in nearby Sudbury — began seeing very high numbers of mosquitoes caught in traps. There are also concerns that Eastern Equine Encephalitis might reemerge after it appeared in mosquitoes last fall.

The CMMCP uses a product called Zenivex E4 to kill adult mosquitoes. Residents can also opt out of spraying if desired. Separately, the CMMCP applies biological pesticides across wetland areas in spring to kill mosquito larvae. Those products use a bacterium that destroys the mosquito larvae.

Officials say the pesticides used to control mosquitoes pose a low risk of harming humans and pets. But the mosquito control project still advises people to remain indoors, close windows and doors turn off window air conditioners and fans. Residents should allow between 15 and 20 minutes to pass after the spraying truck leaves before going back outside.