You Asked, Patch Answers: Why Mosquito Spraying Only South of Route 135?

After a mosquito carrying West Nile Virus was trapped on the southside of Framingham, the

Framingham Patch reader Sheree Ginsburg-King asked on our Framingham Patch Facebook Page "Can someone explain to me why only South of 135? They fly don't they. Where is the common sense? OR is it a money issue?"

Well Patch asked The East Middlesex Control Project Superintendent David Henley. Here's what he had to say:

"Under the State's Arbovirus Surveillance and Response plan, there are three components directed against West Nile Virus. 

First, larval control is directed against Culex mosquitoes, the primary vector of West Nile Virus. Catch basins serve as the most common source for Culex pipiens. 

In June, larvicides were applied to most catchbasins within the Town. 

The second response involves public education. Over time there have been press releases from the and the Mass. Dept. of Health advising residents to manage water holding containers on their property to prevent Culex from developing and to take preventative actions to reduce mosquito exposure. 

The third response is adult mosquito control.      

The Project will continue to monitor mosquitoes in Framingham and if there are additional isolations, the spray area will be expanded in the future."