North Andover Health Department

Community and Economic Development Division

Protect yourself and your family from Mosquito bites

We have had record amounts of rain over the last few weeks and with all this rain comes along standing water everywhere. This is perfect for MOSQUITOES!  Please take steps to protect you and your family from mosquitoes indoors and outdoors.

When you go outside during active mosquito hours, dusk til dawn or are in cool, shaded, woody areas then please use Insect Repellent with one of the active ingredients below.  Always follow the insect repellent product label instructions.

• DEET

• Picaridin (known as KBR 3023 and icaridin outside the US)

• IR3535

• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)

• Para-menthane-diol (PMD)

• 2-undecanone

Protect your property from breeding mosquitoes by following these tips!

• Remove any standing water where mosquitoes could lay eggs 

• Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out any items that hold water like old tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flower pot saucers, or trash containers. Mosquitoes lay eggs near water.

• Tightly cover water storage containers (buckets, cisterns, rain barrels) so that mosquitoes cannot get inside to lay eggs.

• For containers without lids, use wire mesh with holes smaller than an adult mosquito.

• Use larvicides to treat large containers of water that will not be used for drinking and cannot be covered or dumped out.

• If you have a septic tank, repair cracks or gaps. Cover open vent or plumbing pipes. Use wire mesh with holes smaller than an adult mosquito.

• Use screens on windows and doors. Repair holes in screens to keep mosquitoes outdoors.

• Cover strollers and baby carriers with mosquito netting.

• Use permethrin to treat clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents) or buy permethrin-treated clothing and gear.

• Permethrin is an insecticide that kills or repels mosquitoes.

• Permethrin-treated clothing provides protection after multiple washings.

• Read product information to find out how long the protection will last.

Enjoy the outdoors and stay safe!