Milton, Massachusetts - Mosquito Control

As the summer comes to a close it is important to continue to take precautions to prevent mosquito-borne viruses as late summer and early fall (until the first frost) is usually a period with increased infection rates. The recent and continuing detection of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) activity in southeastern Massachusetts and West Nile Virus (WNV) throughout the State certainly highlights the need for continued personal protection measures.

• Use a mosquito repellent that contains DEET, Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Always follow the directions on the label. Repellents should not be used on children younger than two months of age. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.

• Remove any standing water from backyards so mosquitoes can’t breed. Mosquitoes will begin to breed in any puddle or standing water that lasts for more than four days. Make sure water does not collect and stagnate in ceramic pots, trash cans, recycling containers, old tires, wading pools, birds baths, etc. Remove leaves and debris that may prevent drainage of roof gutters.

More information on mosquito-borne diseases, their symptoms, on protecting yourself from bites by mosquitoes, and on safe application of mosquito repellents can be obtained by visiting the MDPH web site on arboviral (mosquito-transmitted) diseases http://www.mass.gov/dph/wnv.

Please note, that the MDPH no longer collects dead bird reports or tests dead birds for West Nile Virus. If you find a dead bird on your property, the MDPH advises that dead birds can be safely disposed of in the trash. Using gloves, a shovel or plastic bags covering your hands, the dead bird should be double-bagged and placed in the trash. You should then wash your hands.

The Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project (NCMCP) continues to conduct weekly ground based spraying on Tuesday mornings between the hours of 2:00 AM and 6:00 AM based on residents requests and mosquito activity monitoring, weather permitting. Residents who wish to have their property sprayed by NCMCP should call them at 781-762-3681 or email ncmcp@verizon.net each week by Friday at 1:30 PM. If any resident wishes to know when the spray program may be conducted in their area, they should go to the Projects website at http://www.massnrc.org/ncmcp. Map and/or street listings are posted on or about 3:30 PM the day before the scheduled application day. Residents may also contact the Projects main telephone line (781-762-3681) after 3:30 PM the day before the scheduled treatment to hear a recorded message detailing the streets/areas to be treated in the town. If a resident wishes to have their property excluded from these pesticide applications they must request so in writing to the Town Clerks office. Please note that this request must be made each year. Even if you requested exclusion last year you must do so again for 2010.

In addition, the Milton Board of Health reminds residents to also be aware of the increasing occurrence of Lyme disease in Milton. The highest risk period of infection runs through early fall. The single most important thing is to check yourself for ticks once a day (don’t forget to check children and pets too). For more information please visit the MDPH website on tickborne diseases http://www.mass.gov/dph/tick.

The Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project (NCMCP) will conduct weekly ground based spraying on Tuesday mornings between the hours of 2:00 AM and 6:00 AM based on residents requests and mosquito activity monitoring beginning on May 18, 2010, weather permitting. Residents who wish to have their property sprayed by NCMCP should call them at 781-762-3681 or email ncmcp@verizon.net each week by Friday at 1:30 PM. If any resident wishes to know when the spray program may be conducted in their area, they should go to the Projects website at http://www.massnrc.org/ncmcp. Map and/or street listings will be posted on or about 3:30 PM the day before the scheduled application day. Residents may also contact the Projects main telephone line (781-762-3681) after 3:30 PM the day before the scheduled treatment to hear a recorded message detailing the streets/areas to be treated in the town. If a resident wished to have their property excluded from these pesticide applications they must request so in writing to the Town Clerks office. Please note that this request must be made each year. Even if you requested exclusion last year you must do so again for 2010.

• Use a mosquito repellent that contains DEET or Picaridin. Oil of lemon eucalyptus may also be considered. Products with permethrin should only be used on clothing. Always follow the directions on the label. Repellents should not be used on children younger than two months of age. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.

Please note, the MDPH will no longer be collecting dead bird reports or testing dead birds for West Nile Virus. If you find a dead bird on your property, the MDPH advises that dead birds can be safely disposed of in the trash. Using gloves, a shovel or plastic bags covering your hands, the dead bird should be double-bagged and placed in the trash. You should then wash your hands.

Due to the unusually warm temperatures in February and March, we are seeing an advanced development of spring mosquito larvae. The heavy rain and associated flooding is of concern as well. NCMCP personnel will continue to monitor to determine the extent and magnitude of the mosquito development triggered by these flooding conditions.

Observations to date have forced us to move up our aerial application to the second week of April, commencing on or about April 12th. NCMCP will continue to monitor larval development and if conditions warrant it we may have to extend these applications into the third week of April. We will make every effort to keep you informed as a clear picture develops. We will be forwarding to you, via fax and email, maps of the areas we intend to treat and will, as we do each year, notify the local (and state) Police and Fire on the morning of each application.

The Milton Board of Health would like to advise residents that the Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project (NCMCP) will continue with its comprehensive mosquito control program beginning this spring. The NCMCP’s Integrated Pest Management approach includes waterway management, larval control, and adult control.

The NCMCP will be conducting helicopter applications of the biological larvicide Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) to control mosquito larvae. The applications will be conducted over specific large wetlands in 24 communities including the Town of Milton. The applications will be conducted between April 5, 2010 and September 30, 2010.

The NCMCP will also be conducting ground based early morning aerosol applications beginning in late May and continuing through late September (weather permitting). State Regulation 333 CMR 13.04 provides a method for homeowners to exclude their property from these pesticide applications. The regulation requires that residents send a certified letter to the Town Clerk specifying: your name, address, telephone number, and the names of all abutters. In addition, the boundaries of the property must be marked every 50' by tin pie plates or other appropriate means. Please note that this request must be made each year. Even if you requested exclusion last year you must do so again for 2010. Questions regarding the regulation can be answered by calling the Massachusetts Pesticide Bureau at (617) 626-1781.

We remind you that the mosquito species most likely to be potential vectors of West Nile Virus breed in containers such as rain gutters, kiddie pools, or any other containers which hold water for more than five days. The public can play a major role in controlling these vectors by eliminating all standing water on their property.

For further information contact John J. Smith, Project Director, at 781-762-3681 (http://massnrc.org/ncmcp) or Michael Blanchard, Health Director, Milton Board of Health, 617-898-4886. More specific information on requesting and monitoring weekly ground based spraying will be provided as the season progresses.