Mosquito Spraying Scheduled In Burlington Wednesday

BURLINGTON, MA — Mosquito spraying will be conducted in Burlington on Wednesday from dusk to 11:30 p.m., the town said.

Pesticides will be sprayed by truck-mounted aerosol sprayer in areas near Evelyn Street, Partridge Lane, Independence Drive, Elm Avenue, Meadowvale Avenue, Evergreen Avenue, Lantern Lane and Wing Terrace.

If the spraying must be postponed, it will take be rescheduled to Aug. 31, the town said.

The East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project regularly sprays in town as part of a regional effort. In this case, Anvil, a pesticide product containing sumithrin, will be sprayed.

Sumithrin "is classified as slightly toxic by the EPA," the announcement notes. "Mosquito control applications of sumithrin do not pose a significant risk to people or their pets due to the low toxicity of sumithrin and the small amount used to control mosquitoes. As with any pesticide, people should minimize their exposure. "

Residents should go inside and close their windows when they see the spray truck approaching, and wait a few minutes for the spray to dissipate.

"Beekeepers do not need to take any special precautions since spraying begins after sunset," according to the announcement.

Residents can contact the East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project at 781-899-5730 for more information. The spray schedule can be found at the project website.

In 2019, three Massachusetts residents died of the mosquito-borne illness Eastern equine encephalitis. Outbreaks tend to last several years.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.