As the official start of summer comes nearer, we'd like to share some important tips on mosquito safety and prevention in Massachusetts. With so much concern in our area about contracting mosquito-borne diseases like EEE and West Nile, this is information you may find helpful. Mosquito control in Massachusetts should be a comprehensive approach to evaluating every way to stay protected.
1- Remove the "harborage conditions" on your property that allow mosquitoes to breed; this means any areas with standing water or damp piles of debris and leaf litter. Pay particular attention to shady and wooded areas in your yard.
2- If you keep windows open, inspect your screens to ensure they are sealed tightly with no rips in the screening.
3- Wear clothing at night that limits skin exposure to mosquitoes.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends using an EPA-registered insect repellent, especially at night. On its website, the CDC recommends products which contain one of four active ingredients:
- DEET (brand name examples: Off!, Cutter, Sawyer, Ultrathon)
- Picaridin (brand name examples: Cutter Advanced, Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus)
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus
- IR3535 (brand name examples: Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Expedition, SkinSmart)
To learn more about Burgess Pest Management's Massachusetts mosquito treatment program, you may click the tab below for information on application methods and pricing.
