This notice recently went out through the general Town Notify Me system, but we are sharing to inform park visitors of the increased mosquito population this season.
After a wet spring the Town has received several recent complaints about the larger-than-normal mosquito population this year, along with inquiries about whether the Town sprays for mosquitos. (We do not.)
A resident also inquired about Mosquito Control Districts (MCDs), which are muncipal entities for control of nuisance mosquito infestations. Towns are responsible for forming MCDs. If Colchester did this we would be responsible for hiring personnel, certifying pesticide applicators, learning to implement integrated pest management practices, keeping track of data to support treatments, etc. The State’s contribution is not intended to fund the entire program; it would pay a portion of the larviciding costs only.
The formation of an MCD would create an on-going expense for Colchester (and our taxpayers) with little supplemental funding from the State of Vermont. This is not an item for which the Town has budgeted. The Agency of Agriculture is not aware of any federal funding for mosquito control.
The Town of Colchester cannot regulate the use of pesticides, as the State preempts us. All questions about pesticide application should be directed to the Vermont Agency of Agriculture.Their phone number is (802) 828-2431. The State's website for pesticides is: http://agriculture.vermont.gov/pesticide_regulation
There is specific information on mosquitos here: http://agriculture.vermont.gov/plant_pest/mosquitoes_ticks/mosquitoes/control_Districts
The Vermont Department of Health has information about mosquitos and preventing bites here: http://www.healthvermont.gov/disease-control/mosquito-borne-diseases/prevent-mosquito-bites
Also look for places around your home where mosquitos can breed--they can do so in very small amounts of standing water and often stay within several hundred feet of where they were hatched. Remove leaves from gutters where water can pool, change bird bath water several times a week, and keep wheelbarrows and other containers overturned when not in use. Uncovered rain barrels, vases. old tires, and drip pans under planters are also inviting homes for mosquitos.