North Andover Warns Of Mosquitos After Record Rain

NORTH ANDOVER, MA — North Andover warned residents about mosquitos Monday following weeks of heavy rain.

The Health Department and the Community and Economic Development Division warned residents that after "record amounts of rain," there is "standing water everywhere," perfect for the pest.

The departments provided tips on preventing bug bites and mosquito breeding.

During mosquito hours, dusk til dawn, or in cool, shaded, woody areas, residents are encouraged to use insect repellant with one of the following active ingredients:

• DEET
• Picaridin (known as KBR 3023 and icaridin outside the US)
• IR3535
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)
• Para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone

And the town provided the following tips for preventing mosquito breeding:

• "Remove any standing water where mosquitoes could lay eggs
• Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out any items that hold water like old tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flower pot saucers, or trash containers. Mosquitoes lay eggs near water.
• Tightly cover water storage containers (buckets, cisterns, rain barrels) so that mosquitoes cannot get inside to lay eggs.
• For containers without lids, use wire mesh with holes smaller than an adult mosquito.
• Use larvicides to treat large containers of water that will not be used for drinking and cannot be covered or dumped out.
• If you have a septic tank, repair cracks or gaps. Cover open vent or plumbing pipes. Use wire mesh with holes smaller than an adult mosquito.
• Use screens on windows and doors. Repair holes in screens to keep mosquitoes outdoors.
• Cover strollers and baby carriers with mosquito netting.
• Use permethrin to treat clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents) or buy permethrin-treated clothing and gear.
• Permethrin is an insecticide that kills or repels mosquitoes.
• Permethrin-treated clothing provides protection after multiple washings.
• Read product information to find out how long the protection will last."