Update from the Town of Wellesley about mosquito risk level and spraying

The following information has been provided by the Town of Wellesley:

Wellesley’s current risk level (as of 9/10/19) is low for both West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) regularly updates the risk level for WNV and EEE for all communities in the state. Several factors are a part of determining the level of risk assigned to a community. These include whether mosquitoes in that community have tested positive for a mosquito-borne disease, and whether there have been any reported animal or human cases of WNV or EEE this season.

To check the risk level, here is the map MDPH regularly updates that indicates the risk level in Wellesley. If you click below each map, you’ll see there is a chart that indicates the corresponding recommended behavior for that risk level.

To find out if mosquitoes in Wellesley are carrying diseases, the Town, as a part of the East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project, regularly traps and tests mosquitoes in the area for a variety of mosquito-borne diseases including both WNV and EEE. Thus far this season, NO mosquitoes with WNV or EEE have been found in Wellesley. The Town does not anticipate EEE to be found in Wellesley mosquitoes. The type of environment where EEE mosquitoes are typically found – white cedar and large red maple swamps – is not common in Wellesley so the risk of EEE in our Town remains low.

To protect Wellesley residents from mosquito-borne diseases, early in the season, EMMCP treats catch basins in the area to
prevent mosquitoes in the larval stage from developing. Through EMMCP mosquito traps, the type and volume of mosquitoes are monitored throughout the season and tested for diseases. Additionally, the Health Department uses a variety of methods to reach the general public and specific populations with messages about personal prevention such as using mosquito repellent and avoiding outdoor activity during peak mosquito hours.

Wellesley does not plan to conduct truck spraying for mosquitoes at this time, however, a portion of the Town is in the planned aerial spray area defined by State officials on Sept. 10, 2019, and will be sprayed at night during the hours of 7:15 p.m. and 4:30 a.m. in the next five to six days.

MA Dept. of Public Health 24-hour hotline: 617-983-6800

What kind of spray is used?

Aerial spraying uses the pesticide Anvil 10+10, a product extensively tested and used in both ground-level and aerial spraying in the U.S. to control mosquitoes.

Common sense precautions to follow in areas where spraying is scheduled to take place include:

• • Keeping windows closed and fans off, including air conditioners unless they
    have a setting for recirculating indoor air
  • Rinsing any homegrown fruits and vegetables with water; keeping pets indoors during spraying to minimize their risk of exposure
  • Washing skin or clothing that may be exposed to sprayed pesticide with soap and water, if spray gets in eyes, rinse with water or eye drops and call your doctor.

What can I do to protect myself from mosquito-borne disease?

• • Apply Insect Repellent when Outdoors. Use a repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient (DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8- diol (PMD)], or IR3535) 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.

Here is a helpful fact sheet about mosquito repellents:

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 if possible.

Clothing can help reduce mosquito bites. Wearing long-sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

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 the water in birdbaths frequently.

Install or repair screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all your windows and doors.

Information about EEE and WNV and reports of current and historical EEE and WNV virus activity in Massachusetts can be found on the MDPH website.