Cover Up and Protect Yourself from Mosquitoes

In late July the  while surveying mosquito populations in Acton. In addition, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health said in a press release that WNV-positive mosquitoes have been found in Watertown as well as several parts of Boston.

While WNV has not yet been found in Marlborough, the East Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project, which is responsible for mosquito control in neighboring Sudbury and works with the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project (which covers Marlborough), is urging residents to be cautious when outside this summer. Given the large amount of rain Marlborough has seen in recent days, EMMCP is predicting mosquito populations to increase in the coming weeks. Mosquitoes will pose a threat from now through early October.

"Although the chances of acquiring mosquito-borne diseases such as WNV or EEE [Eastern Equine Encephalitis] are remote, residents should be aware that these mosquito-borne viruses could cause fever, meningitis or encephalitis," EEMCP wrote in an announcement. "Early symptoms of these diseases include fever, headache, stiff neck and muscle weakness."

Here are some tips and steps from EEMCP's press releases to help you protect yourself from mosquito-borne diseases.

- Be aware that mosquitoes are active in damp shady areas, during cloudy humid days, at dusk, dawn and during the night.  
- To protect yourself from mosquitoes, use mosquito repellent and wear protective clothing. Use repellents containing DEET, Picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus and follow the directions on the label. Never use DEET on infants. Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus should not be used on children under three. Although uncomfortable during hot days, long-sleeve shirts and long pants can provide a layer of protection.  
- Cover up the arms and legs of children playing outdoors. Baby carriages and playpens should be covered with mosquito netting.
- Fix any holes in screens and screen doors and replace worn weather stripping.

According to the EEMCP press release, "Culex mosquitoes that develop in water holding containers are the primary vectors of WNV, while the mosquitoes that transmit EEE originate in wetlands."

Here are tips from EEMCP for keeping your yard an unfriendly breeding mosquito breeding ground.

- To prevent a yard from becoming a source for Culex mosquitoes, homeowners should make a thorough inspection of their property and remove, empty, cover or treat any water-holding containers. During the summer, mosquito larvae can complete their development in water within a week.
- Containers where mosquitoes commonly lay eggs include neglected swimming pools, water in loose fitting pool covers or tarps, unscreened rain barrels, rimless tires, and plastic toys.
- Tires should be disposed of properly or stored inside.
- Rubbish barrels, wheelbarrows and small boats should be covered or stored upside down.
- The water in wading pools and birdbaths should be changed weekly.
- Infrequently used pools should be covered or properly maintained.
- Rainwater collection barrels should be screened, emptied once a week or treated with products containing Bti.

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