(Image credit: Massachusetts Department of Public Health)
The battle against mosquitoes continues in Southborough tonight as many of the town’s schools, athletic fields and playgrounds are scheduled to be sprayed with insecticide in an effort to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases including EEE and West Nile.
According to the Central Mass Mosquito Control Project, Finn and Woodward are scheduled to sprayed tonight. Neary and Trottier were sprayed late last month in advance of Southborough Summer Nights. Also on the spraying list for tonight are athletic fields including Mooney, 9-11, Kallander, and Liberty Fields, along with South Union Playground and Fay Memorial Playground.
Some adjacent streets will also be sprayed, including Acre Bridge Road, Central Street, Cordaville Road, Highland Street, Kallander Drive, Liberty Field Road, Parkerville Road, and Richards Road.
Spraying begins after 7:30 pm and generally wraps up by midnight. Although the pesticide used is safe for people and animals, residents are advised to close street-facing windows if possible during spraying and to keep them closed for 15-20 minutes afterwards.
Spraying for mosquitoes helps reduce the risk of disease, but it does not eliminate it – only a hard frost will do that. Health officials continue to advise residents avoid being outside during peak mosquito times (dusk and dawn), apply insect repellent containing DEET when outside, and wear long sleeves and pants.
Earlier this week, Southborough imposed a ban on all outdoor activities on town properties from 6:00 pm to 6:00 am. The ban will remain in place until further notice.
