Plymouth County Mosquito Control Project
Below you will find descriptions of the pesticides most commonly used at Plymouth County Mosquito Control Project. We have also included their labels and material safety data sheets.
Larvicides
Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) is a soil bacterium that was discovered in Israel in 1977. Bti has been used in mosquito and blackfly control for many years. The insecticide is created when the bacterium Bti is placed in unfavorable conditions it hardens and forms spores. Within these spores is a parasporal body comprised of proteins. These proteins have insecticidal properties. When a mosquito larva ingests the Bti portions of the mosquito's gut rupture, killing the larva. When we use Bti to control mosquitoes the bacteria is dead and no live organisms are released into the environment.
Bti is specific to mosquitoes, blackflies and midges. It breaks down quickly in the environment and is essentially non toxic to other insects, humans and other mammals.
Plymouth County Mosquito Control Project uses Bti as our primary larvicide. Residents can request larviciding for standing water on their property by calling us at (781)585-5450 or faxing the request to (781)582-1276. Requests must include name, address, town and location of standing water.
VectoBac 12AS labelMethoprene is a growth regulator and prevents the immature insect from developing normally. The insecticide mimics juvenile hormone. Juvenile hormone has several functions within an insect. If the the hormone is present when the larva molts the insect will remain a larva. If the hormone is absent the larva will become a pupa and begin to develop into an adult insect. Since methoprene mimics juvenile hormone the larva is prevented from developing into an adult.
Plymouth County Mosquito Control uses methoprene mainly in two situations. We use the insecticide in catch basins to control the mosquitoes responsible for transmission of West Nile Virus. We also use the chemical in areas that will produce mosquitoes repeatedly throughout the summer such as in salt marshes.
Adulticides
Anvil 10 +10 is a product consisting of 10% sumithrin 10% PBO and 80% other ingredients (EPA Reg No. 1021-8329). These other ingredients are mainly food-grade mineral oil. The chemical is a synthetic preythroid which has a low toxicity to mammals (dogs, cats, humans etc.). The product breaks down very quickly when exposed to sunlight. Therefore residue on plants and other treated surfaces should be short lived. Plymouth County Mosquito Control applies this chemical using truck mounted ULV (ultra low volume) sprayers. The maximum labeled rate for this product is 0.627 fl oz per acre.
Property is sprayed on a request only basis. Individuals can call the Project, between 8:00am and 3:00pm on Monday through Friday, to request that their property be sprayed. If you wish to request for service please call us at (781) 585-5450, fax us at (781) 582-1276 or mail us at Plymouth County Mosquito Control Project, P.O. Box 72, Kingston, MA 02364-0072. Requests for service must include name, address, and town.
To find out where the spray trucks are going to be call (508) 747-8742 (1 May - 31 October).
WE DO NOT ACCEPT ANY SERVICE REQUESTS VIA E-MAIL.
Frequently Asked Question:
1. Should I wash down toys and other items in the yard at the time of the application?
While you can if you wish it is not necessary to wash the items in your yard after the application. Due to our low application rates any exposure from contact with these surfaces would be low and pose negligible risks.
2. Should I cover the pool before the application?
No, the residues in the pool would be low and also diluted by the water in the pool.
3. Should I close the windows and turn off my air conditioner?
The ULV vapor disperses readily and little movement of the material into open windows with screens would be expected. However individuals with upper respiratory problems such as asthma may react to ULV applications and closing windows and turning off air conditioners is recommended to protect these individuals.
4. How long should I wait before I let my pet out?
When the chemical is applied at the labeled rates there are wide margins of safety for humans, dogs, cats and other mammals. Indoor pets my be "let-out" immediately following the application. Outdoor pets may be left outdoors.
5. How long should I wait before allowing the children to enter the yard?
The ULV vapor disperses very quickly after the application. However, individuals with respiratory problems such as asthma may react to ULV application. People with these health issues may want to wait an hour before resuming outdoor activities in treated areas.
6. When can I let my horse or other animal graze on the grass again?
While, there is no requirement to remove foraging animals from the site. We recommend that if possible the animal be removed from the area while the application is occurring. The animal can be returned to the site shortly afterward.
7. How quickly does the chemical break down?
Sumithrin breaks down primarily through exposure to sunlight. According to the World Health Organization, residues of sumithrin on certain plants and soils showed a half-life from less than one-day to 1-2 days, respectively.
8. How do I get on your no-spray list?
Plymouth County Mosquito Control Project maintains a list of people who do not wish to be sprayed. The operation of our "No Spray" list is governed by the MA Department of Agriculture Resources: Pesticide Board under regulation 333 CMR 13.03. In order for residents to be put on the "No Spray" list a certified letter must be sent to your town clerk by March 1st, of every year. The application can only be made by a person living on or legally in control of the property. The letter should include the name, address, and telephone number of the person making the request, the address of the property to be excluded and a description of the types of pesticides for which they wish to be excluded. The excluded property must be marked with orange flagging every 50 ft. The flagging should be visible from the road at night. In the event of a public health emergency we can not honor the no spray list.
The Project does maintain a courtesy "No Spray" list. In order to be put on this list you must notify the Project and supply the following information: name, address, and telephone number of the person making the request, the address of the property to be excluded and a description of the types of pesticides for which they wish to be excluded. The excluded property must be marked with orange flagging every 50 ft. The flagging should be visible from the road at night. In the event of a public health emergency we can not honor the no spray list.
In order to remain on the list the Project must be notified every year.
To see a copy of the regulations please visit: 333 CMR: MA Pesticide Board Standards for Application
To keep yourself on this list you must notify the Project every year that you wish to remain on the no spray list. In the event of a public health emergency we can not honor the no spray list.
Links:
The Extension Toxicology Network (Extoxnet)
Massachusetts Department of Food and Agriculture - Pesticides
National Pesticides Information Center
Home Page Program Service Area Lifecycle Disease Repellents Control around home Links