North Andover Health Department

Community and Economic Development Division

North Andover Mosquito Control Update

DATE: September 25, 2019

CONTACT:  Brian J. LaGrasse

PHONE: (978) 688-9540

The Board of Health reports that North Andover’s risk level for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) remains at the Moderate Level as determined by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.  Warmer temperatures have kept mosquito activity high throughout the region.  A mosquito pool tested positive for WNV in Haverhill last Friday, and another human case has been diagnosed with EEE in the area. 

As a result, and out of an abundance of caution, the Health Department has recommended that all outdoor events should conclude by 6:30pm until October 13. Please be aware and take common-sense precautions before dawn as well.

North Andover High School will be releasing information about changes to sports, programming or other activities. 

By taking a few, common-sense precautions, people can help to protect themselves and their loved ones:

Avoid Mosquito Bites

• 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 you are outdoors at any time and notice mosquitoes around you, take steps to avoid being bitten by moving indoors, covering up and/or wearing repellant.

• Apply Insect Repellent when you go outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535 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.  Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear and should not be applied to skin. 

• 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.

• Drain Standing Water – Many 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.  

Always remember the 5 D’s to make it easy

DUSK – Mosquito activity starts around dusk.

DAWN – Mosquitoes are active through dawn.

DEET – Wear insect repellent with effective ingredients such as DEET.

DRESS – Wear long pants and long sleeves to cover up and block mosquito access to your skin.

DRAIN – Drain standing water from artificial containers on your property.

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

• 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.

The Health Department is working closely with Northeast Mosquito Control to increase surveillance activities and are analyzing data for additional control measures.  

Information about EEE and mosquitoes can be found on the Town of North Andover’s website www.northandoverma.gov , the state’s website www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dph/   and North East Mosquito Controls Website www.nemassmosquito.org/  

Mosquito update 9-25-19.pdf