Information regarding Mosquitoes

Bite Prevention – Mosquitoes and Ticks 
Mosquitoes and ticks can transmit serious diseases, but taking protective measures can go a long way in preventing
bites from these common vectors.

Fight the Bite 6 Tips to help prevent Mosquito Born Diseases. Use EPA approved repellents with DEET or plant based eucalyptus, Avoid dusk & dawn- times when most mosquitoes are active, Prevent artificial habitat, dump stagnant water,Wear long-sleeves and pants when outdoors Fix broken doors & windows with gaps or rips in screens Wash bite, apply anti-itch cream and cold cloth if needed with visuals representing this text

Personal Protection Tips

  • Use insect repellent: Use EPA approved insect repellent with one of the following ingredients: DEET, picaridin,
    or oil of lemon eucalyptus to keep bugs off.
  • Be mindful of timing and environment: Mosquitoes are busiest at dawn and dusk, while ticks hide in brushy
    areas all day. During the colder months, ticks will overwinter in mostly leaf litter and will seek out a blood meal
    on a warm winter day.
  • Wear proper clothing: Long sleeves, pants, and shoes help prevent mosquito bites. Although it’s not much of a
    fashion statement, tucking your pants into your socks prevents ticks from migrating up your leg and biting you.
  • Treat your clothes: Spray gear and clothing with permethrin for extra protection against ticks. Note, permethrin
    is a pesticide and should be used with caution. Read all product labels before use.
  • Tick check: Look over your skin, clothes, and pets carefully after spending time outside.
  • Dry your clothes on high heat: Ticks can survive a wash cycle, but 10 minutes in a hot dryer will kill them.
  • If possible, take a shower within two hours: It helps wash off unattached ticks before they can latch on. This
    is also a good opportunity to look over your skin again.
    Around the Home
  • Prevent artificial habitat: Mosquitoes will seek out water-filled containers to lay their eggs in, so emptyTake Away Their Home, Protect Yours, Help prevent the spread of mosquito born-diseases by reducing mosquito habitat around your home,1. Keep gutters cleared of debris 2. Repair leaky hoses 3. Properlyrecycle/dispose of old tires 4. Change birdbath water 2x a week 5. Empty water from all bins and buckets 6. Remove any pooling water on tarps 7. Drain all non-maintained pools 8. Drain any water from potsbuckets, birdbaths, kiddy pools, tarps, etc. Clear gutters of debris regularly and dispose of old tires to prevent
    mosquito breeding.
  • Fix doors and screens: Keep mosquitoes out by inspecting and repairing window screens.
  • Make a tick-safe yard: Maintain short grass, remove leaf litter, and place a barrier of gravel between wooded
    areas and the edges of your lawn.
PE Poster Printouts and Helpful Links

Request our Pioneer Valley MCD Weekly Surveillance Report by contacting our office by emailing Crystal Goddu, Administrative Assistant or calling 413-283-2606