Mosquito Control helicopter treatment planned for Reading
(1-2 minute read)
The East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project (EMMCP) will conduct a helicopter application of a biological larvicide in Reading to help control mosquito populations this spring.
The treatment is expected to take place between April 21 and May 1, 2026, weather permitting.
Areas under evaluation
Locations currently being evaluated for treatment include:
Brentwood Drive
Fairchild Drive
Lindsey Lane
Main Street / Nelson Avenue
Haverhill Street (near Timberneck Drive, Symonds Way, and Charles Street)
The application will target wetland areas, where mosquito larvae are most commonly found.
What residents can expect
The larvicide will be applied using a helicopter flying at low altitude directly over wetlands. Officials say:
The treatment uses a granular formulation
No special precautions are required for residents
The application is designed to target mosquito larvae before they mature
About the treatment
The product used is VectoBac GS (EPA Registration #73049-10), which contains Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti), a naturally occurring soil bacterium.
According to officials:
Bti is classified by the EPA as relatively non-toxic
It is target-specific, affecting mosquito larvae and a small number of related aquatic insects
It breaks down quickly in the environment
Additional information
Residents with questions about mosquito control efforts can contact the East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project at 781-899-5730 or visit their website.
The seasonal treatment is part of ongoing efforts to reduce mosquito populations and limit the spread of mosquito-borne diseases in the region.
Flyer by the Town of Reading.
