Did you know the kinds of mosquitoes that are known to carry Zika virus are generally not found in Massachusetts?

Avoid Mosquito Bites                           

 

ALWAYS TAKE TIME TO REVIEW STATE AND FEDERAL RESOURCES FOR NEW TRENDS AND CHANGES. THE CDC CAN ALSO ASSIST RESIDENTS TO PREPARE FOR AVOIDING MOSQUITO BITES BEFORE AND WHILE TRAVELING.

 

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. The EPA can also assist with finding a repellent that is just right. (Image courtesy of CDC / PHIL.)

 

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. (Per the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Zika fact sheet the kinds of mosquitoes that are known to carry Zika virus are generally not found in Massachusetts. Per the CDC mosquitoes that spread Zika virus bite mostly during the daytime. For up to date information on Zika mosquito prevention before and during travel click here.)

 

Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

 

Protecting your child from mosquito bites.

  • Do not use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol on children younger than 3 years old.
  • Do not use insect repellent on babies younger than 2 months old.
  • Dress your child in clothing that covers arms and legs.
  • Cover crib, stroller, and baby carrier with mosquito netting.
  • Do not apply insect repellent onto a child’s hands, eyes, mouth, and cut or irritated skin.
  • Adults: Spray insect repellent onto your hands and then apply to a child’s face.

 

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.

 

Check out reliable state and federal partner resources. The CDC has details that may assist with controlling mosquitoes at home in areas with Zika and other diseases spread by mosquitoes.

 

Protect Your Animals

Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools – especially after heavy rains. Water troughs provide excellent mosquito breeding habitats and should be flushed out at least once a week during the summer months to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent WNV and EEE. If an animal is diagnosed with WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to DAR, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795 and to the Department of Public Health (DPH) by calling 617-983-6800.