Mosquito Spraying In Worcester: 4 Dates In August

WORCESTER, MA — The Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project will begin August pesticide spraying in residential areas to control the bloodsuckers as cases of West Nile virus have begun to appear across the state — including in Worcester.

The August applications in Worcester will take place on Aug. 8, 15, 22 and 29 at various locations around the city. Worcester's applications are combined with Auburn and Millbury. The CMMCP releases a list of likely spraying locations during spraying days around 3:30 p.m. Check the locations here.

In recent weeks, state health officials have confirmed West Nile in mosquito samples collected in Boston, Brookline and Worcester, where two sample have been found in the Burncoat neighborhood.

The risk of contracting West Nile — and Eastern Equine Encephalitis — was still "low" as of Wednesday in the area, according to risk maps published by the state, but had creeped up to "moderate" in Boston and northern Worcester and Middlesex counties.

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.