The Role of the East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project

By Jeffrey North

Mosquitoes can be more than just a summer nuisance; they can carry diseases like West Nile virus (WNV) and Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). The East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project (EMMCP) works to protect Belmont residents from these diseases.

Established in 1945, the EMMCP is a regional public health agency dedicated to controlling mosquito populations and minimizing the risk of mosquito-borne diseases. Serving 27 cities and towns across the greater Boston area, the EMMCP employs a team of entomologists, biologists, and environmental specialists to keep mosquito activity in check.

Surveillance is key

The EMMCP doesn’t just wait for mosquitos to become a problem. They use a network of traps to monitor mosquito populations throughout the season. These traps capture different mosquito species, allowing the EMMCP to identify areas with high activity and test captured mosquitos for WNV and EEE. The EMMCP is keeping a watchful eye on local mosquito populations.

Targeted interventions are standard

When mosquito populations rise or EEE/WNV is detected, the EMMCP takes action. In areas with extensive wetlands, the project uses larvicides applied by helicopter to target mosquito larvae in their early stages. In Belmont, with relatively small areas of wetland habitat, the project focuses on catch basins alongside roads. Instead of helicopters, mobile seasonal employees (young workers on bicycles) apply larvicides to these basins, targeting the mosquito species that carry WNV.

Community engagement is vital

The EMMCP recognizes that residents play a crucial role in mosquito control. The project provides educational resources on its website (https://sudbury.ma.us/emmcp/) and offers presentations to schools and community groups. Residents can do their part by eliminating mosquito breeding grounds around their homes. These efforts include emptying containers that hold standing water, such as tires, buckets, and flower.pot saucers.

Working together makes Belmont healthy

The EMMCP’s dedication to mosquito control and informed residents taking preventative measures create a strong defense against mosquito-borne diseases in Belmont. By working together, we can ensure a safe and enjoyable summer for everyone.

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Ecologically Based Mosquito Management at the Statehouse

“An Act establishing an ecologically-based mosquito management program in the Commonwealth to protect public health” (S.445/H.845) has made it to the Ways and Means Committees. These committees will determine the fate of these bills.

Filed by state Senator Jo Comerford and state Representative Kathleen LaNatra, this bill is intended to replace what the filers believe are outdated and expensive mosquito management practices with “ecologically based mosquito management” or EBMM, which supporters claim is more effective, affordable, transparent, ecologically responsible (including reduced use of pesticides and other chemicals), and scientifically based. As defined in Bill S.445,

“Ecologically-based mosquito management” or EBMM, [is] an ecologically sustainable approach to the management of mosquito populations combining cultural, physical, biological, and, when strictly necessary to protect public health, least-toxic chemical control strategies. EBMM prioritizes preventative measures, including surveillance, monitoring, and public education on eliminating breeding sites and taking personal protective action. EBMM involves the selection, integration, and implementation of mosquito control strategies based on predicted ecological, epidemiological, and economic consequences. EBMM seeks maximum use of naturally occurring mosquito controls, including weather, disease agents, predators, and parasitoids. In addition, EBMM utilizes various biological and physical controls and habitat modification techniques. Under EBMM, chemical controls are imposed as a last resort and only as required to keep a pest from surpassing tolerable population levels predetermined from accurate assessments of the ecological, public health, and economic costs of the control measures.

This legislation builds on the recommendations of the Mosquito Control for the 21st Century Task Force, which called for modernization of mosquito control for improved human health protection, especially in the face of climate change.

Citizens can request that Ways and Means support these bills for the health of our lands, waters, wildlife, and communities at actionnetwork.org/letters/call-for-ecological-mosquito-control-end-aerial-spraying/

For more information, visit the MASSquito Coalition at www.nofamass.org/home/policy/massquito.

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Jeffrey North is the managing editor of the Belmont Citizens Forum Newsletter. Special thanks to Brian Farless, superintendent of the East Middlesex Mosquito Control and Suffolk County Mosquito Control, for providing information and answering questions to make this article possible.