Town Of Bedford: Increase In Mosquito Activity

Bedford MA

27 July, 2021

1:00 PM

Description

Press release from the Town of Bedford: July 27, 2021 - 11:14am Recent record rainfall followed by hot and humid temperatures provide ideal conditions for mosquito breeding and have resulted in increased mosquito populations in the area. Mosquito surveillance traps located in the eastern side of Bedford have shown elevated mosquito populations. Additionally, the Bedford Health Department has received notifications from residents regarding a recent increase in mosquito activity in west Bedford. In response, East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project (EMMCP) will be conducting targeted spraying to reduce mosquito populations during the next two evenings using a truck mounted aerosol sprayer. Spraying will be done between dusk and 11:30 PM. On Tuesday, July 27, 2021 - spraying is scheduled for areas of Bedford that are located in the vicinity of Washington Street, Marion Road, Short Street, Alaska Avenue, Dunelm Road, Ridge Terrace, Meadowbrook Road and Sweeney Ridge Road. On Wednesday, July 28, 2021 - spraying is scheduled for areas of Bedford that are located west of North Road, north of Concord Road and in the vicinity of Gould Road and Hayden Lane. Mosquito spraying announcements may be found on the Health Department's website - https://www.bedfordma.gov/health-department. If postponed due to weather, spraying will be rescheduled for the following week. Mosquito Control in Bedford The Bedford Health Department continues to work with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) and the EMMCP to monitor local mosquito populations for West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). No EEE or WNV positive mosquitoes have been detected in Bedford to date. To control mosquito larvae, each spring (weather dependent) EMMCP conducts a helicopter application of biological larvicide to wetland areas in town and annually each summer the Bedford Department of Public Works treats catch basins in town. Additionally, based on acquired surveillance data from five mosquito trap locations in town, the EMMCP will continue with truck mounted spraying events in Bedford to reduce populations of biting adult mosquitoes. EMMCP will continue to trap and test mosquitos in and around Bedford until the end of September. Reduce Your Risk for Mosquito Bites Residents have an important role to play in reducing the risk of WNV and EEE and protecting themselves and their loved ones by taking a few, common-sense precautions. The best protection is prevention. Mosquito proof your property - Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to develop 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. Install or Repair Screens - Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by installing tightly fitting screens on all of windows and doors. 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. Otherwise, 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 Outdoors - Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] 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.  Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear and should not be applied to skin.  For additional prevention tips visit: https://www.bedfordma.gov/health-department/news/mosquito-prevention-dur.... Information about mosquito activity in Massachusetts during 2021 can be found on the Mosquito-borne Disease page on the MDPH website at: https://www.mass.gov/mosquito-borne-diseases. Additional information on Mosquito Services in Bedford and Mosquito-related materials are available by contacting the Bedford Health Department at 781-275-6507 or by accessing the Health Department website at: https://www.bedfordma.gov/health-department. This press release was produced by the Town of Bedford. The views expressed here are the author's own.