With warmer weather now here, Director Julia Junghanns and the Wayland Health Department wish to remind community members of important safety tips to prevent mosquito bites and avoid mosquito-borne diseases.

Mosquitoes are most prevalent from May to August, but remain active until the first time temperatures fall below freezing. According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), mosquito bites in Massachusetts typically result in skin irritation and itching. However, serious diseases including West Nile virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) are also spread by mosquitoes in rare instances. These viruses can cause illness ranging from a mild fever to more serious disease like encephalitis or meningitis.

The Health Department works to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes through stormwater catch basin treatments using larvicide briquettes and larvicide spraying by helicopter in the spring. The Department also participates in a mosquito management program with East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project, which handles mosquito trapping, identifying populations and surveillance of diseases and species.

“The Wayland Health Department takes measures during the spring and summer to help reduce the prevalence of mosquitoes in Town, but there are also steps that residents can take to aid in our efforts,” Director Junghanns said. “Residents can be assured that we will actively monitor the mosquito surveillance results in Town, as well as information from surrounding towns, and will keep residents updated on any new developments.”

With recent rains and hot weather, residents are encouraged to take measures to reduce mosquito breeding habitats in their own yards. Residents should use the following tips courtesy of DPH to help prevent mosquito breeding and the spread of WNV and other mosquito-borne diseases:

• Mosquito proof your home and drain standing water in your yard.
• Empty water from spaces where mosquitoes commonly lay eggs, including neglected swimming pools, water in loose-fitting pool covers or tarps, unscreened rain barrels, rimless tires, and plastic toys, flower pots, trash barrels/containers. Check rain gutters, including all fittings and drains.
• Tires should be disposed of properly or stored inside.
• Rubbish barrels, wheelbarrows and small boats should be covered or stored upside down.
• Water in wading pools and birdbaths should be changed weekly.
• Infrequently used pools should be covered or properly maintained.
• Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors. Fix any holes in screens and screen doors and replace worn weather stripping.
• Keep the grass in your yard cut short and shrubs trimmed.
• Once a week empty and scrub, turn over, cover or throw out any items that hold water.
• Rainwater or rain/collection barrels tips:
  • Always use a mosquito-proof screen to seal and cover the rain barrel or other water-saving container. Mosquito-proof screen is a very fine mesh, usually 1/16 of an inch. If the barrel is covered, this will reduce the likelihood of mosquitoes becoming a problem.
    If the barrel is holding a lot of water consider getting mosquitofish, or consider treating with products containing Bti (always read the product label and use according to the instructions).
  • Keep the rain barrel lid and connectors sealed to help keep bugs out.
  • Be sure to always remove the water that pools at the top of the barrel at least once or twice a week.
  • If possible, place your barrel on a surface that will soak up any water that overflows so it doesn’t pool and create a mosquito habitat.
  • Regularly inspect your rain barrel system. Check for cracks or leaks. Be sure that all fittings and seals are intact and that no water accumulates on the ground around the barrel.
  • Clean the barrel on a regular basis. Drain it completely and clean it out at least twice a year.

Residents should also take precautions recommended by DPH to avoid mosquito bites:

• Be aware of peak mosquito hours:
  • The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are more active in damp, shady areas, during cloudy humid days, and at night. Take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing, and/or avoid these areas and times of day where mosquitoes are more prevalent.
  • There are some emerging mosquito species that are out and active during the day. Be sure to protect yourself and family members during the day also.
• Wear protective clothing:
  • Clothing can help reduce mosquito bites. Although it may be difficult to do when it’s hot, wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
  • Cover up the arms and legs of children playing outdoors. Baby carriages and playpens should be covered with mosquito netting.
• Apply insect repellent when you go outdoors.
  • Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535 (3-[N-butyl-N-acetyl]-aminopropionic acid) or oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-menthane 3, 8-diol (PMD)].
  • 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.
  • The Center for Disease Control has recently listed oil of lemon eucalyptus as providing protection against mosquitoes, however, it should not be used on children under three years of age.
  • Permethrin products can be effective but are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear and should not be applied to the skin.
  • Protect pets and horses from mosquito bites.
  • Always follow the instructions on the label of any repellent.

For more information on mosquito-borne illnesses, please visit the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s website here.

Massachusetts DPH risk maps may be found here. More CDC prevention tips may be found here.

To view the full public health notice, please click here.