Politics & Government

Take Early Precautions Against WNV, EEE by Mosquito-Proofing Your Home

Mosquitoes infected with both WNV and EEE have been found in samples collected in Peabody in recent years and public health officials say precautions are a good first defense.

Peabody's public health department is advising residents to take early precautions to ward off West Nile Virus or Equine Encephalitis virus -- both of which can pose serious health risks to humans -- by making your home mosquito-proof this summer.

In recent years, mosquitoes infected with both WNV and EEE have been found in samples collected in Peabody and both diseases can be transmitted to humans simply by a bite from an infected insect.

"You should not wait for an infected mosquito to be identified before starting to use precautions. Mosquitoes will be with us throughout the summer and into fall until the first frost. It is important to take a few common-sense precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones," says the health department.

Avoid mosquito bites

  • The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning.
  • Wearing long sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
  • Apply insect repellent when you go outdoors. Make sure to follow the instructions on the product label.

Mosquito-proof your home and neighborhood
  • Mosquitoes can begin to multiply in any puddle or standing water that lasts for more than four days, so limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or getting rid of items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change water in birdbaths frequently. Encourage your neighbors to do the same.
  • Organize a neighborhood cleanup day to pick up containers from vacant lots and parks.
  • Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.

The city will be taking several steps, as usual, this season to try to minimize the risk from mosquitoes. That includes testing mosquito pools, treating catch basins to prevent eggs from hatching and possibly insecticide spraying to kill adult mosquitoes.

Even with those measures, there will still be mosquitoes buzzing around and residents are urged to take precautions.

You can find more information about EEE and WNV at www.mass.gov/dph/wnv or call the Peabody Health Department at 978-538-5926.


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