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AUBURN, Mass. – The second round of mosquito spraying in as many weeks will happen Tuesday night in Auburn. But this time, the spraying is in a different part of town.
Auburn will be spraying to kill mosquitoes in the Heard Street area Sept. 4 after insects testing positive for the West Nile virus were found in that neighborhood last week. The first spraying was in the Pakachoag Hill neighborhood.
The ultra-low volume spraying from a truck will take place from about 8 p.m. to midnight.
Although the spraying presents a minimal risk to humans, pets and non-targeted species, area residents area should close their windows and stay inside while the spraying is done.
The spraying substance is Anvil 10+10, an insecticide that contains synthetic pyrethroids, which emulate naturally occurring insecticides found in chrysanthemum flowers. The substance kills mosquitoes effectively, yet biodegrades rapidly in the presence of sunlight and/or microorganisms.
The disease has only been identified in mosquitoes; no human cases have been reported in Auburn.
The streets to be sprayed Tuesday night are: Adella Street, Gwen Drive, Oxford Street North, Alden Street, Hanna Drive, Pinehurst Avenue, Boyce Street, Heard Street, Robert Avenue, Carroll Street, Herbert Way, Shirley Street, Chestnut Avenue, June Street, Summer Street, Clark Street, Lincoln Street, Wellman Street, Dixon Avenue, Mahlert Court, White Terrace, Duncan Street, Marilyn Drive, Gates Court and Otis Street.
By taking a few precautions, people can help protect themselves from mosquito exposure:
- Peak biting time for many mosquitoes is from dusk to dawn. Reschedule outdoor activities during those times. If you notice mosquitoes, avoid being bitten by moving indoors, covering up and/or wearing repellent.
- Clothing can help reduce mosquito bites. Although it may be difficult to do when it’s hot, wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
- Apply insect repellent when you go outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET, permethrin, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus. DEET products should not be used on infants under 2 months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30 percent or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under 3 years of age. Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear and should not be applied to skin.
- Drain standing water because many mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water. Drain or get rid of items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change water in birdbaths frequently.
- Install or repair screens to keep mosquitoes from coming indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.
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