Community Corner

Mosquito Bite Prevention Tips From Sherborn's Board of Health

In light of mosquitoes being found in Sherborn containing the eastern equine encephalitis virus here are some tips from the Sherborn Board of Health to prevent mosquito bites.

Personal protection measures have an important role to play in monitoring for EEE and protecting yourself and your loved ones. Here are some tips for avoiding mosquito bites provided by the Sherborn Board of Health:

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.

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Apply Insect Repellent When You Go Outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N- diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), 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.

Mosquito-Proof Your Home Drain Standing Water – 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.

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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.

More information is available at: www.mass.gov/dph/wnv. Information about WNV and EEE is also available by calling the DPH recorded information line at 1-866-MASS-WNV (1-866-627-7968), or the DPH Epidemiology Program at 617-983-6800.

For more information please call CMMCP at (508) 393-3055 or log on to our website at www.cmmcp.org.


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