Submitted by Adrienne St. John, Bedford DPW
The Bedford Department of Public Works will be treating Town catch basins for West Nile Virus, a disease carried by certain mosquitoes beginning the week of July 14th. West Nile Virus is a disease carried by Culex (Q-lex) mosquitoes who breed mostly in storm drains, but can also survive in any open container holding even a half inch of water.
According to the Center for Disease Control, it is important to target the larvae stage of the mosquito, since once the adult has hatched, it can transmit the virus to humans and animals. Small packets that contain a selective insecticide for the Culex larvae will be dropped by licensed DPW employees into catch basins on public lands and target neighborhoods.
These neighborhoods include senior populations, horse barns, and densely populated areas. The active chemical, Bacillus sphaericus, prevents the larvae from developing into an adult mosquito. The chemical is not harmful to humans, fish, pets, plants or birds.
For additional information, please contact either the Bedford DPW or the Bedford Board of Health. The Eastern Middlesex Mosquito Control District is overseeing this annual project and can be reached at (781) 899-5730.
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Check your yards and dump out any containers that hold standing water! It’s amazing how many mosquitoes can breed in just a small amount of rain water that sits stagnant in your yard.