Tips: Protect Yourself From Mosquito-borne diseases | Great Meadows Public Health Collaborative, MA

Mosquitoes in Massachusetts can spread viruses such as West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). While the risk is higher during warmer months (spring–fall), you can take simple steps to protect yourself and your family.

Prevention Tips

Avoid Mosquito Bites

Use repellent: Apply insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR3535, or 2-undecanone. Always follow product directions
Dress smart: Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors, especially from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active
Be mindful outdoors: Limit time outside at peak mosquito hours (dusk to dawn)

Protect Your Home

Keep mosquitoes out: Make sure window and door screens are in good repair
Use air conditioning when possible
Turn over items that collect water: Mosquitoes breed in standing water. At least once a week, empty and scrub buckets, planters, birdbaths, kiddie pools, and gutters

Community Protection

Report issues: If you notice large numbers of mosquitoes or standing water that can’t be drained, let your town or local board of health know
Stay informed: Check local mosquito activity reports, especially during high-risk months

Resources

See below for more resources to protect yourself and your home from mosquito-borne illness!

Attachment	Size
6 Ways to Protect Against Mosquitos	1.13 MB
Eastern Equine Encephalitis	157.64 KB
Protect Against Mosquitos	90.77 KB
Protect Yourself & Your Home from Mosquitos	475.04 KB
West Nile Virus	157 KB