Emergency Spraying for Mosquitos in Chelmsford

mosquitoThe Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) confirmed that a collection of mosquitoes from a surveillance site in the Carlisle side off town off Proctor Rd has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV).

Spraying in the area is planned after 8:00 pm for Thursday evening, August 15th to reduce populations of mosquitoes. A map and street listing is available on the CMMCP website.

This is the same type of spraying in targeted areas using the pesticide sumithrin that has been done in the town for resident’s requests. Residents can call CMMCP at 508-393-3055 with any questions or concerns or the Chelmsford Board of Health at 978-250-5241. Followup spraying may occur if conditions warrant it. The Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project will continue to test surveillance traps in the area the virus was found.

Avoid Mosquito Bites

  • 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 longsleeves, 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 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.

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

  • Drain StandingWater – Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. 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.
  • Install or Repair Screens – Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.

While Chelmsford Board of Health continues to work closely with the MDPH and the Central Mass. Mosquito Control Project, locally there will be spraying in the targeted area tonight and continue testing, larviciding and all other necessary actions until the problem is resolved.

Information about WNV and reports of WNV activity in Massachusetts can be found on the MDPH website. Recorded information about WNV is also available by calling the MDPH Public Health Information Line at 1-866-MASS-WNV (1-866-627-7968).