MERRIMAC — Health Agent Deborah Ketchen and the Merrimac Board of Health report that they have requested a mosquito barrier treatment be applied to municipal sports fields, schools, and cemeteries in Merrimac to help prevent the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses.
As a result, adulticide was applied to the areas of Battice Road and Bear Hill Road on Tuesday due to the increased presence of West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in mosquitos in the region. The risk for the Town of Merrimac is moderate at this time. The mosquito spraying was conducted before children were back in school and participating in outside group sports.
Mosquito monitoring has been in place throughout the season. Merrimac has not had any positive test results for WNV or EEE. While no mosquitos have tested positive for WNV and EEE in Merrimac, positive test results have occurred in the communities of Haverhill, Amesbury and Newton, New Hampshire.
The two chemicals that were applied are:
Suspend Polyzone (EPA Reg# 432-1514). Active Ingredient: Deltamethrin 4.75%. Suspend Polyzone is a long-lasting, up to 90 days, effective residual barrier formulation that controls adult mosquitoes, even in warmer and wet environments. The Safety Data Sheet and product label can be viewed at https://www.nemassmosquito.org/public-education/pages/adulticide
Duet Dual Action Adulticide (EPA REG. NO.: 1021-1795-8329). Active Ingredients: (Prallethrin: (RS)- 2-methyl-4-oxo-3-(2-propynyl) cyclopent2-enyl-(1RS)-cis, trans-chrysanthemate) 1%. Duet is a high efficacy, reduced-risk mosquito adulticide that provides a quick, permanent knockdown and reliable control of adult mosquito populations in any mosquito habitat flying at the time of application. This product is an oil soluble synergized synthetic pyrethroid for effective control of adult mosquitoes. The Safety Data Sheet and product label can be viewed at https://www.nemassmosquito.org/public-education/pages/adulticide
“While there have been no positive tests for West Nile Virus or Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Merrimac, several surrounding communities have had positive tests, and history has shown us that this is the appropriate time to take preventive action,” said Health Agent Ketchen.
