The District utilizes a number of different products as part of an Integrated Pest Management Program. The biological/chemical control products used by the District were selected based on a number of factors including research, testing, efficacy, cost analysis, and environmental concerns. We feel that the products chosen are the safest available on the market for both, the public at large and non-target species.
Targeted, pre-emptive control measures are the most cost effective, efficient, and environmentally friendly way to reduce mosquito populations. Larviciding is the application of insecticide to shallow water to control mosquitoes in their aquatic or larval stage, and prevents emergence as adult mosquitoes. To control larva, we use both biological controls and growth regulators depending on the habitat involved. There are three methods of larviciding done by the District: Aerial Salt Marsh Larviciding, Aerial Fresh Water Larviciding, and Ground Larviciding. To control mosquito larva, the District uses Bacillus and Methoprene products.
Bacillus products
The Bacillus products we use are naturally occurring, biological larvicides that are specifically formulated for mosquitoes. The District uses two formulations - Bacillus thuringiensis, subsp. israelensis and Bacillus sphaericus, depending on the type of application and habitat.
The District also uses growth regulators and organophosphates to control mosquito larva. Growth regulators act to inhibit the larva's ability to progress from the larval to the adult stage.
Methoprene products
Temophos products
Adulticiding is a term used by mosquito control to describe spraying for adult or flying mosquitoes. There are two kinds of adulticiding. Aerial Adulticiding by fix wing aircraft or helicopter is only done in the event of a public health emergency. Ground adulticiding or truck spraying is done selectively in accordance with individual municipalities Best Management Practice Plan or BMP.
Currently, the District uses a product commercially known as Anvil for ULV applications. The active ingredient (Sumithrin) has a very low mammalian toxicity. This product is registered for use by the U.S. EPA and the Massachusetts Pesticide Bureau. All District personnel are certified applicators and annually attended seminars to obtain credits required to maintain their certification.