Mosquito Barrier Treatments Requested by Merrimac Board of Health
Protecting Merrimac from Mosquito-Borne Illnesses
The Merrimac Board of Health has requested that the town apply mosquito barrier treatments to help protect residents from mosquito-borne illnesses, such as West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE).
Why Mosquito Barrier Treatments are Needed
- Mosquitoes can transmit serious diseases to humans and animals.
- In 2022, there were 16 cases of EEE in Massachusetts, including 4 fatalities.
- Mosquito barrier treatments are an effective way to reduce the mosquito population and prevent these diseases.
What Residents Can Do
- Eliminate standing water around your home, where mosquitoes breed.
- Wear insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- Cover your skin with long sleeves and pants when outdoors.
- Use mosquito dunks or briquettes in standing water sources.
Town-Wide Mosquito Control Program
The town of Merrimac has a comprehensive mosquito control program that includes:
- Larviciding: Treating standing water sources with larvicide to kill mosquito larvae.
- Adulticiding: Using fogging trucks to kill adult mosquitoes.
- Mosquito surveillance: Monitoring mosquito populations and testing for disease.
Health Effects of Mosquito Bites
Mosquito bites can cause a range of health effects, including:
- Itching and swelling
- Fever and chills
- Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
More Information
For more information about mosquito barrier treatments and mosquito-borne diseases, please visit the following resources:
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