Catch Basins Treated to Limit the Culex (Q-Lex) Mosquito that Carries West Nile Virus

Submitted by the Bedford Department of Public Works

RMonteforte-WNV-larviciding
Rich Monteforte of the Bedford DPW drops a larvicide packet into the catch basin on Old Billerica Road in front of Carlton Willard Village – Courtesy image (c) Bedford DPW, 2016 all rights reserved

The Bedford Department of Public Works has started its annual program to treat catch basins for West Nile Virus which is is a disease carried by the Culex (Q-lex) mosquito.

This mosquito mostly breeds 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.

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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 or other public 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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