If You Spot 'Copters Overhead in Wayland, Here's Why

The East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project is spraying this week over Wayland to control mosquito larvae over the large wetlands in the area.

The wetlands being evaluated include Claypit Hill Road, Deer Run, Forty Acre Drive, Glezen Lane, Plain Road, and Pod Meadow.

The application takes place between April 21 and April 29, according to an announcement. “ The Bti will be applied in a granular formulation by a helicopter flying low directly over the wetlands. Residents do not need to take any special precautions for this application.”

According to the announcement, the material to be applied Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis) is a natural bacterium found in soil. The EPA classifies Bti as a relatively non-toxic pesticide. Bti is considered a target selective and environmentally compatible pesticide that affects mosquito larvae and a few closely related aquatic insects in the fly family. Once applied, Bti stays suspended in water for 24 to 48 hours and then biodegrades as it settles to the bottom.