Mosquito Spraying Planned for West Roxbury, Roslindale This Week

Several neighborhoods in West Roxbury and Roslindale will undergo spray treatments this week to help control the mosquito population, the Boston Public Health Commission announced. 

Spraying is planned for West Roxbury in the area of the VFW Parkway between Baker Street and Russet Road, including streets near Vermont Street, Montview Street and Schirmer Road. 

In Roslindale, spraying is planned for the neighborhoods in the area of Walter Street located between Hewlett and Weld streets. 

The work will be conducted between dusk and 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 17, when the Suffolk County Mosquito control Project plans to use truck-mounted aerosol sprayers application to complete the work, officials said. 

The formulation that will be used in the spraying utilizes a pesticide known as sumithrin to control the mosquito population, and applications of the pesticide do not pose a significant risk to people or pets due to the chemical's low toxicity and small amount used in the spraying, officials said. 

Residents, however, are still asked to minimize their exposure to the chemical, and if they see the truck approaching, should move indoors while treatment is applied. Residents should also close windows facing the streets during the scheduled spraying hours, officials said. 

In an effort to help control the mosquito population further, the BPHC is also advising residents to limit places around the home where water can collect, and turn over unused flower pots, buckets, wheelbarrows and garbage cans, as well as remove leaves and other debris that can clog gutters and trap water. 

For more information on the sprayings, contact the Project at 781-899-5730. Information on mosquito-borne illnesses can contact the Boston Public Health Commission at 617-534-5611 or www.bphc.org/mbi.