The town’s mosquito control program for 2015 began Monday.
Town Administrator Galen Stearns wrote in an e-mail that crews from Dragon Mosquito Control will be checking swamps, marshes, woodland pools, ditches, storm drains and other shallow, stagnant water for mosquito larvae.
A press release from Dragon Mosquito Control stated that when larvae are found, the following pesticides may be used: VectoBac (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis), AquaBac 200G (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis), Natular (spinosad), Altosid (methoprene), BVA 2 Mosquito Larvicide Oil (highly refined petroleum distillate) or CocoBear MLO (mineral oil).
The state begins testing mosquitoes for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus in July. If Eastern Equine Encephalitis or West Nile Virus is found in or near town, emergency spraying may be done at schools, athletic fields, parks and other public areas. One or more of the following insecticides may be used: Anvil (sumithrin), Duet (sumithrin & prallethrin), Zenivex (etofenprox), Permanone (permethrin), CrossCheck (bifenthrin) or Mavrik (tau-fluvalinate).
The spray schedule is based upon mosquito surveillance data, disease test results and weather conditions.
According to the press release, those who do not want their wetlands treated may use Dragon’s No-Spray Registry online at www.DragonMosquito.com/No-Spray-Registry or write to Dragon Mosquito Control, P.O. Box 46, Stratham, NH 03885. Property owners should include their name, physical address, phone number, and a description of their property with boundaries.
Residents may also call 734-4144 or email [email protected] for more information on spray dates, location, material used, precautions or other concerns.
Stearns said $44,125 is budgeted for the program.
