Fogging for mosquitoes this week

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HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Due to the West Nile Virus being found in mosquitoes on Hanscom, Civil Engineering will be fogging in select areas during later evening hours this week. In addition to the installation and housing, fogging will also be done at the Patriot Golf Course and the FamCamp area.

There should be no significant risk to personnel due to the types and quantities of insecticides being used. Individuals who have chemical sensitivities may want to consult their physician or local health provider for advice. Closing doors and windows during the fogging is not required and is up to the homeowner.

The current schedule is:

Aug. 29, beginning at 9 p.m., the Patriot Golf Course, with FamCamp following.

Aug. 30, beginning at 11 p.m., the main installation with housing following.

Each night's fogging is anticipated to take approximately two hours. If there is inclement weather, the schedule may change.

Below are some questions and answers provided by Civil Engineering regarding the fogging.

What type of insecticide is used by Hanscom pest control personnel?

The main material that will be utilized is pyrethrin, a natural botanical derivative. It is one of the active ingredients CE uses to suppress flying adult mosquitoes. A new, EPA "reduced risk" product called Zenivex (active ingredient: etofenprox), a lower toxicity pyrethroid, will also be used.

How will this insecticide affect me and my family?

At the rates that fogging products are applied at HAFB, only 3/4 to 1 fluid ounce per acre, there should be no significant risk to you or your family. Generally, there is no need to relocate during mosquito control fogging. Pyrethrins are used at much higher rates to treat head lice on children. Individuals having chemical sensitivities may want to consult their physician or local health provider for advice. If fogging occurs in and around housing, closing doors and windows is not required and is solely the home occupant's choice.

Will this product affect pets?

Pyrethrin is commonly used to treat dogs and cats for fleas and ticks and has a history of safety when applied according to the label. This product is toxic to fish; however at the low rates at which it is applied and given that it will not applied directly to water, the application procedures should provide a significant margin of safety to fish. Due to a slightly different mode of action, Zenivex has a much lower toxicity to mammals and is also of low toxicity to birds.

Will mosquito fogging affect lawn furniture, garden plants, play equipment, children's toys?

Fogging applications are made in the late evening hours. The material used breaks down rapidly in sunlight the next day. Washing down items such as lawn furniture and children's play equipment and toys with water after fogging applications certainly cannot hurt. This product does not cause any damage to car surfaces.