The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is preparing for an aerial mosquito larvae application to take place over Chapman Swamp on Monday, April 29.
The application, conducted by helicopter, is one of several efforts by the state and Westerly to control mosquito populations and reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses such as Eastern equine encephalitis and west Nile virus.
The treatment involves the dropping of pellets containing mosquito larvicide, which kill the larvae as they develop. The application will take place between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. and will be weather permitting. In the event of inclement weather, a rain date will be scheduled for Tuesday, April 30.
The treatment area consists of 500 acres of Chapman Swamp and nearby swamplands. Mosquitoes that spread West Nile Virus and Eastern equine encephalitis are found in the area. The larvicide treatment is an environmentally friendly product with minimal posing a risk to human health.
In recent years, the state has begun to focus on mosquito prevention, and the use of larvicide is an important part of that effort. Larvicide is recommended for areas at high risk of mosquito-borne illnesses. The state and Westerly will continue to monitor mosquito populations and adjust their treatment strategies as needed to ensure the lowest risk of mosquito-borne illnesses.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp journalist with the reporting included in this story.
