Thursday, September 4, 2014
Keeping Safe During the Mosquito Season
Even though Massachusetts is starting to cool down from the hot summer months, we must still be vigilant in continuing to take important steps in protecting ourselves and our families from mosquito borne illnesses like Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and the West Nile Virus (WNV). Recent mosquito testings came up positive for EEE in New Bedford this week, proving that the risk for contracting such an illness is still a very real possibility.
Here are some measures you can take to lower your risk of being bit by
an infected mosquito:
Avoid Mosquito Bites:
• Apply Insect Repellent when Outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N,
N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon
eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] or IR3535 according to the instructions
on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two
months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older
children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three
years of age.
• Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak
biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that
occur during evening or early morning.
• Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wearing long-sleeves, long
pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
Mosquito-Proof Your Home:
• Drain Standing Water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water.
Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either
draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains.
Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change water in birdbaths
frequently.
• Install or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having
tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.
For more information concerning the positive results of WNV and EEE
please click here. Posted below is the latest Department of Public Health
arbovirus report, which outlines risk mosquito levels within municipalities.
