April 2020
There are more than 150 different species of mosquitoes that inhabit the United States, and 51 species have been found in Massachusetts alone.
The most harmful viruses that have been contracted via mosquito bite in Massachusetts are currently Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus.
Tick borne diseases, which afflict humans and other animals, are caused by infectious agents transmitted by tick bites. They are caused by infection with a variety of pathogens, including rickettsia and other types of bacteria, viruses and protozoa. 16 tick-borne diseases of humans are known, of which four have been discovered since 2013.
Mosquitoes lay their eggs in as little as one inch of standing water. They can go from an egg to an adult in as little as 8-10 days. Be sure to remove sources of standing water (buckets, tarps, old tires, etc.), clean out the gutters and drain spouts of debris and change out water sources such as bird baths, pet bowls and plant containers.
You can also use mosquito repellent and/or stay indoors during dusk and dawn when many species of mosquitoes are most active.
Requesting mosquito sprays for your property is a very effective way to keep these pests away. Properly timed sprays are effective in controlling both mosquitoes and ticks. Treatments 4 - 6 weeks apart will help to keep you and your pets healthy.