FROM THE PUBLIC HEALTH DIRECTOR
The Health Department would like the public to know that the catch basins in town have been treated with ALTOSID XR Briquettes supplied by the Wayland Board of Health and distributed by the East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project. This treatment is done every year to pro-actively control mosquito larvae. The treated catch basins will be marked with a white paint dot, if you notice untreated catch basin please contact our office at (508)358-3617.
This catch basin treatment is to reduce the number of the culex mosquitoes, which are known to reproduce in a catch basin type of environment. West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-carried virus that can cause illness ranging from a mild fever to more serious disease like encephalitis or meningitis. WNV is most commonly spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito.
Culex mosquitoes that develop in water holding containers are the primary vectors of WNV. The culex species are also known as “bridge� vectors that will feed on birds and people. As the summer progresses, birds could be infected with West Nile Virus, and the catch basin treatment decreases the risk of West Nile Virus infecting people.
To prevent a yard from becoming a source for Culex mosquitoes, homeowners should make a thorough inspection of their property and remove, empty, cover or treat any water-holding containers. During the summer, mosquito larvae can complete their development in water within a week. Containers where mosquitoes commonly lay eggs include neglected swimming pools, water in loose fitting pool covers or tarps, unscreened rain barrels, rimless tires, and plastic toys.
There are certain actions that residents should take related to West Nile Virus (WNV).
- Mosquito proof your home and drain standing water
- Containers where mosquitoes commonly lay eggs include neglected swimming pools, water in loose fitting pool covers or tarps, unscreened rain barrels, rimless tires, and plastic toys. Check rain gutters and drains.
- Tires should be disposed of properly or stored inside.
- Rubbish barrels, wheelbarrows and small boats should be covered or stored upside down.
- The water in wading pools and birdbaths should be changed weekly.
- Infrequently used pools should be covered or properly maintained.
- Rainwater collection barrels should be screened, emptied once a week or treated with products containing Bti.
- 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.
At this time of year mosquito populations are on the rise and residents should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
What you should do 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. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning. Also, take extra care to use repellent and 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.
- 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)], always use any repellent by reading and following instructions on the label of whatever product you are using.
- DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentration of 30% or less on older children.
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.
- Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear and should not be applied to the skin.
- Cover up the arms and legs of children playing outdoors. Baby carriages and playpens should be covered with mosquito netting.
- Protect pets and horses from mosquito bites.
- More information on choosing and using repellents safely, and WNV is can be viewed online at www.mass.gov/dph/wnv, and also the CDC, http://www.cdc.gov/westnile/index.html or National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) toll free at 1-800-858-7378 or online at http://npic.orst.edu/index.html. If you can’t go online contact MDPH at (617)983-6800 for a hard copy of the fact sheet.
The Health Department is aware and following the latest information regarding the Chikungunya Virus. Information can also be found on the DPH website listed below.
For further information on WNV or EEE, log unto the Massachusetts Department of Public Health web site at www.mass.gov/dph/wnv or the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/westnile/. If residents have any questions about mosquitoes or how to control them, contact the East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project: emmcp.dh@verizon.net.
