The MetroWest Daily news offers an update on local mosquito spraying approaches in light of growing concerns that this summer’s wet weather could spark a West Nile virus outbreak. From the story:
Several towns, including Wellesley, have decided to employ truck spraying only when ordered to do so by the state during a public health emergency.
While Wellesley still uses chemicals to kill mosquito larvae, it determined that neighborhood density, similar to Framingham or Natick, interfered with dispersal of the spray and made it relatively ineffective. Officials also worried the pesticide posed a risk to other animals, including humans.
“We basically adhere to the precaution principle,” said Janet Bowser, executive director of the town’s Natural Resources Commission. “Unless something is proven safe, we don’t want to take the risk of using it.”
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