CMMCP Aerial Larvicide program – 2009

 

THE APPLICATION IS COMPLETE AND WAS A SUCCESS WITH 95.58% OVERALL REDUCTION IN LARVAE IN THE TREATED AREAS. THE APPLICATION DATES WERE:

 

  • APRIL 22nd – CHELMSFORD & BILLERICA
  • APRIL 23rd and 24th – BOXBOROUGH

 

For a full report of this application, please click here 2009 Aerial Larvicide Report (.pdf. 650KB)

 

 

Map of application areas for Boxborough

 

Map of application areas for Billerica

 

Map of application areas for Chelmsford

Please note; this is NOT A PROGRAM TO SPRAY FOR ADULT MOSQUITOES. This program will use a granulated bacterial product ONLY OVER WETLANDS confirmed to have active mosquito larvae. This is the same product we have used for over 15 years in member cities and towns as part of our standard larval control program.

OBJECTIVE:

To reduce the emergence of spring brood mosquitoes, notably Ochlerotatus excrucians, Ochlerotatus abserratus and Ochlerotatus canadensis in the towns of Billerica, Chelmsford & Boxborough.

 

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Using helicopter applications of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti), a non-reproducing bacteria used for the control of mosquito larvae, the total numbers of spring brood mosquitoes can be reduced. This is the same product we have used for nearly 20 years as part of our regular ground larval program. Maps of the treatment sites using GIS software will be prepared for the contractor. These sites have been selected using data collected by the CMMCP staff.

 

DISCUSSION:

Although we have identified potential areas of mosquito breeding, we will only target these areas after confirmation is received from field observations (pre-surveillance). All areas will be sampled using established procedures and protocols in the mosquito control Generic Environmental Impact Report:

 

·        An average of 1 mosquito per dip over 10 dips will be used as a threshold to determine if an application in that area is warranted.

·        We will have at least 1 dip station per 250 acres as a monitoring device.

 

Once confirmation is received, the area will be designated for treatment. We will generate a report on this program using the pre and post treatment data we collect. This report will be used to show efficacy, and will also be sent to other neighboring towns to encourage their participation next year, since this type of program is most effective on a regional basis. Considering the similarity of topography in many towns, we feel confident we can reduce spring brood numbers, thus reducing the dependence on our adulticide program.

 

These applications typically happen in the third week in April, but this is dependent on the larval stage (the target stage is the 2nd to 3rd instar) and weather factors. Site visits will determine the actual date(s) of application. I would anticipate this application to take two to three days, but this will also be subject to the current weather conditions.

 

SITE SELECTION:

Specific wetland types over 1 acre have been outlined on the maps. These wetland types (wooded swamp deciduous, conifer & mixed; shallow marsh; shrub swamp) have been identified as the preferred habitat for the target species. We will field check these sites, and any sites under 5 acres that we identify as not suitable for this application will be removed for consideration and monitored and treated if necessary as part of our regular, ground larval control program.

 

NOTIFICATIONS:

Legal notices were placed in the following newspapers: Acton Beacon, Lowell Sun & Boston Globe. Our website had up to date information posted on the home page as it was available.