Wayland Mosquitoes Test Positive For West Nile Virus

WAYLAND, MA—Three mosquitoes collected in Wayland on Aug. 25 tested positive for West Nile Virus, according to the Wayland Health Department, which was informed by the State Department of Public Health

The mosquito species identified were Culex Pipiens/Restuans, which are bird biting mosquitoes. However this species could also bite mammals and/or humans, said the release. The mosquito pools where the specimens were collected were located in both South Wayland and North Wayland.

"We strongly encourage people to be proactive with protecting themselves against mosquito bites and using insect repellent, as well as taking measures to prevent mosquito breeding in your yard," said an announcement from the Health Department.

The catch basins in town were treated early this summer with ALTOSID XR Briquettes supplied by the Wayland Board of Health and distributed by the East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project. This treatment is done every year to control mosquito larvae to reduce mosquito-borne illness. Altosid is a larvicide in a briquette form that disrupts the normal growth pattern of immature mosquitoes in water and prevents them from becoming breeding, biting adults. ALTOSID is a long-term (90 day), cost-effective and environmentally responsible mosquito control larvicide.

The “Culex” mosquito species is common in suburban communities such as Wayland, continues the announcement. This mosquito species prefers to breed/lay eggs in small artificial containers such as birdbaths, old tires, buckets, clogged gutters, and other standing water sources which can be found in people’s backyards and other similar areas of the suburbs (including catch basins).

How to prevent mosquito breeding in your yard, via the Department of Public Health:

To prevent a yard from becoming a source for Culex mosquitoes and other potentially invasive mosquito species, homeowners should make a thorough inspection of their property and remove, empty, cover or treat water-holding containers. During the summer, mosquito larvae can complete their development in water within a week.

What to do in your yard to prevent mosquito breeding, West Nile Virus (WNV) and other Arboviral Diseases:
• Mosquito proof your home and drain standing water in your yard
• Containers where mosquitoes commonly lay eggs include neglected swimming pools, water in loose-fitting pool covers or tarps, unscreened rain barrels, rimless tires, and plastic toys, flower pots, trash barrels/containers. Check rain gutters, including all fittings and drains.
• Tires should be disposed of properly or stored inside.
• Rubbish barrels, wheelbarrows and small boats should be covered or stored upside down.
• The water in wading pools and birdbaths should be changed weekly.
• Infrequently used pools should be covered or properly maintained.
• Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors. Fix any holes in screens and screen doors and replace worn weather stripping.
• Keep the grass in your yard cut short and shrubs trimmed.
• Once a week empty and scrub, turn over, cover or throw out any items that hold water.
• Rainwater collection barrels tips:
o Always use a mosquito-proof screen to seal and cover the rain barrel or other water-saving container. Mosquito-proof screen is a very fine mesh, usually 1/16 of an inch. If the barrel is covered, this will reduce the likelihood of mosquitoes becoming a problem.
o If the barrel is holding a lot of water consider mosquitofish, or consider treating with products containing Bti (always read the product label and use according to the instructions).
o Keep the rain barrel lid and connectors sealed to help keep bugs out.
o Be sure to always remove the water that pools at the top of the barrel at least once or twice a week.
o If possible, place your barrel on a surface that will soak up any water that overflows so it doesn’t pool and create a mosquito habitat.
o Regularly inspect your rain barrel system. Check for cracks or leaks. Be sure that all fittings and seals are intact and that no water accumulates on the ground around the barrel.
o Clean the barrel on a regular basis. Drain it completely and clean it out at least twice a year.
What you should do to avoid mosquito bites
At this time of year mosquito populations are on the rise and residents should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Be aware of peak mosquito hours:
• The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are more active in damp, shady areas, during cloudy humid days, and at night. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning. Also, take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing.
• There are some emerging mosquito species that are out and active during the day. Be sure to protect yourself and family members during the day also.
Wear protective clothing:
• 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.
• Cover up the arms and legs of children playing outdoors. Baby carriages and playpens should be covered with mosquito netting.
Apply insect repellent when you go outdoors.
• Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535 (3-[N-butyl-N-acetyl]-aminopropionic acid) or oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-menthane 3, 8-diol (PMD)].
• DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentration of 30% or less on older children.
• The Center for Disease Control has has recently listed Oil of lemon eucalyptus as providing protection against mosquitoes, however, it 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 the skin.
• Protect pets and horses from mosquito bites.
• Always follow the instructions on the label of any repellent. More information on choosing and using repellents safely is listed below.

Photo via Wikimedia Commons