Six Tips to Protect Yourself During the 2021 Mosquito Season

Mosquito season is upon us here in Massachusetts, with mosquitoes being most active in Massachusetts from June through August.

This year is forecasted to be worse than normal, with a mild winter allowing more dormant mosquitoes and mosquito eggs to survive than in years with harsh winters. Add in a late-season snowstorm saturating the ground and 2021 is poised to have above-average mosquito activity.

Six Tips to Survive Mosquito Season

More mosquitoes mean more chances to contract the many diseases they carry. West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (or EEE) are viruses that occur in Massachusetts and can produce symptoms that range from a mild fever to meningitis. 1/3 of people who contract EEE do not survive. Also, I believe heart worm in pets is caused from mosquitoes bites. It’s certainly a cause for concern, but you can arm yourself with a game plan. Here are six proven tips to help you survive the 2021 season.

1. Get rid of standing water: Make sure your property isn’t inadvertently attracting mosquitos. This means eliminating standing water. You might be surprised at all the areas standing water can accumulate, so be sure to check gutters, drains, air conditioner units and containers such as empty flower pots.

2. Wear protective clothing: If you are outside for extended periods from dusk to dawn, the times of day that mosquitoes are most active, be sure to cover as much skin as you can. It’s best to wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and socks to protect yourself during the prime biting time.

3. Use insect repellent: While there are a lot of options on the market, DEET remains the standard recommended by the American Mosquito Control Association. DEET repellents have been around for more than 50 years. With a concentration of 5%, you can expect the repellent to work for about 90 minutes or so. Higher concentrations last longer.

4. Keep your pets safe: Keeping your pets safe from mosquitoes means not only keeping them indoors during peak mosquito activity time, but also talking to your vet about the best repellents for animals and potential vaccinations for mosquito-borne illnesses.

5. Keep your yard maintained: Long grass can be a breeding site for both adult mosquitoes and larva. Reduce the chances of mosquitoes taking up residence in your yard by keeping the yard trimmed regularly and investing in overall lawn maintenance.

6. Enlist the help of a professional: Working with a proven mosquito exterminator, like Ford’s Hometown Services, will help you protect your family and pets and make your outdoor area more usable all season long. Professional technicians know where to find breeding sites and can focus their efforts accordingly.