Stow's Mosquito Control program is serviced by the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project. The mosquito
control program consists of:
WATER MANAGEMENT: Mosquitoes need still, stagnant water to complete their metamorphosis from egg to
adult. The Project conducts maintenance on ditches, culverts and man-made ponds to improve water quality and
increase water flow.
SURVEILLANCE: Mosquito populations are monitored in both the larval and adult stages to determine the
appropriate control methods to be employed.
LARVICIDING: Wetlands and suspected mosquito breeding sites are monitored to determine the need for
applications of environmentally sensitive products to control and/or eliminate the larval mosquito. By controlling
mosquitoes in their larval stage the need for adult mosquito spraying is reduced.
ADULTICIDING: When adult mosquito populations reach intolerable levels, hand-held or truck mounted sprayers
are used to reduce the adult mosquito levels in residential and recreational areas. Our goal is to reduce the
dependency on adulticiding by increasing the emphasis on larviciding and water management.
PUBLIC EDUCATION: Educating the public about mosquitoes and their biology is an important aspect of the
Project's program. A pamphlet about mosquitos, their lifecycle, and how to deal with them, is available at the Board
of Health office. See also the links at the bottom of this page.
If you have a mosquito problem or would like additional information, please contact the Stow Board of Health
(978-897-4592) or call the Central Mass. Mosquito Control Project directly (508-393-3055).
Residents Urged to Continue to Show Caution against Mosquito-Borne Viruses
LINKS:
Northeastern Mosquito Control Association (http://www.nmca.org/) Mosquito research and control throughout the
northeastern states.
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