Helicopter Mosquito Spraying In Wayland Returns Ahead Of Summer

WAYLAND, MA — If you hear buzzing in the sky above, it's not mosquitoes — exactly the opposite.

The East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project will use a helicopter to pre-treat wetland areas in Wayland soon, attempting to reduce mosquito larvae before they hatch. The control project will use a helicopter to apply the biological larvicide Bti, which contains bacteria that produce toxins that kill the larvae of mosquitos and other flying pests.

"Bti is a natural occurring bacterium found in soil, and is classified by the EPA as relatively non-toxic. Bti is target specific and only affects mosquito larvae and a few closely related aquatic insects in the fly family. Bti breaks down quickly in the environment," the mosquito control project said.

In Wayland, helicopter spraying will take place once at some point between April 16 and April 24 near Claypit Hill Road, Plain Road, Forty Acre Drive, Glezen Lane and Concord Road.

The mosquito control project said residents do not need to take special precautions during the treatment.