Bill: Non-toxic pesticide pellets to be dropped into storm drains CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – With cases of West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis on the rise, 22News explains how the state is trying to reduce the number of mosquitoes. The House has agreed to a bill that would help keep the mosquito population down. Mosquitoes with West Nile Virus can live in areas with standing water and can transfer the disease to people. The new legislation would allow public work employees to drop non-toxic pesticide pellets into storm drains in an effort to prevent mosquito borne diseases. Amy Butler of Chicopee said, “That’s a tough one because as much as I don’t want to get sick and I don’t like being bit by mosquitoes they’re a very important part of the food chain and if you get rid of the mosquitoes you’re impacting the frogs and on up the line.” In 2012, two Massachusetts residents’ deaths were attributed to diseases carried by mosquitoes. The House amended the bill Thursday and passed it onto the Senate.
Posted on: Fri, 06 Jun 2014 21:25:22 +0000