How to Protect Yourself From Mosquitos in Massachusetts
When people think of mosquitos they think of warm-weather states like Florida, South Carolina, Texas or Georgia. But the East Coast sees its share of mosquitoes too, with all of that water right there. The East Coast is gorgeous, and Massachusetts in particular has a lot to offer, but it also has the ocean and coastline which sees storms and conditions that make lovely breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other flying insects.
Massachusetts Mosquitoes
For those little nuisances to thrive, they need temperatures to be at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Massachusetts has quite a few months that work within those parameters, with April to October being prime bug months. While you don't want to know that the state has a seven-month-long mosquito tourist season, it's best to be prepared.
How to Protect Yourself From Mosquitoes Naturally
Before you call in a pest control service-in fact, even if you call the pros in to treat your yard-there are easy things everyone can do to keep those flying insects away from your yard and family. Here is how to protect yourself from mosquitoes naturally.
It Starts With Your Yard
Your yard is where everyone loves to hang out, and that includes the bugs. But instead of looking at your yard and hoping the bugs have found another place to play, do these things to make them think your yard is so uncool.
- Dump all standing water
- Keep your yard trimmed and cut
- Take a fan outside
The most common time to check your yard would be after a storm, rain or other wet weather conditions. Turn over all pots, bowls and anything else that could collect water. That means outdoor furniture, toys and decorations.
Tall grass and wild greenery give bugs a place to live. Keep your grass neat and tidy, and don't forget about other greenery. Shrubs and trees need regular maintenance, as well.
If the gathering is outside, bring a fan out there. Mosquitoes and most flying bugs are not great at flying, and a fan will be enough to blow them off course and out of your yard.
The Inside of Your Home
Just because bugs should stay outside doesn't mean they do. If you don't like finding the annoying winged creatures in your home, a few simple things will help them stay outside.
- Check your window and door frames
- Check all screens
You don't have to be a handyman to get your home in shape to keep bugs out. A quick trip to the hardware store for putty or other filler is all you need. Check all window and door frames for any signs of cracks or holes, and fill them in.
You also need to give all screens a once over. If you have adorable fur children, they could put a tear in a screen, and the smallest hole is all a mosquito needs to become your new roommate. Repair or replace any screens that would let bugs in. Doing these things will also help with your electric bill and give your home an overall elevated look.
When You Go Outside
When you do get out to enjoy the fresh air, make sure you are doing it safely. Just as you should always wear sunscreen if you can see the sun, if it's buggy out or you go anywhere mosquitoes and other bugs may join you, wear bug repellant.
- Adults should always wear bug repellant with at least 30% DEET
- Children should always wear bug repellant with DEET
- Wear long sleeves and long pants when possible
- Stay inside during active mosquito time
Adults and children older than two months old should wear bug repellant when outside if the temps are over 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Read the instructions and apply exactly how it says for the age of the person. When possible, wear clothing to cover up those precious bits mosquitos and bugs love to bite. This is extra important if you are going on a hike or walking in grassy areas.
The easiest thing to do to avoid bites is to stay inside during the most active times for bugs, which are sunrise and sunset.
Mosquito-Borne Diseases in Massachusetts
The two mosquito-borne viruses residents of Massachusetts should be most concerned about are West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis.
For WNV, the state of Massachusetts had found 262 mosquitos tested positive for the disease, with two positive cases reported in humans. This is across the whole state and for the year up until August.
In regard to EEE, Massachusetts had 69 mosquitoes test positive for carrying the illness and had one reported positive case in a human.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Massachusetts
Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Massachusetts is an issue the public should be aware of because there is no vaccine or cure for it. Not everyone who is infected will see symptoms, but there is no medication or treatment for anyone who does.
Symptoms of EEE
If you live in Massachusetts and come in from a day out with mosquito bites, be on the lookout for these symptoms.
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Fever
- Feeling nauseous or throwing up
- Body chills and body aches
Advanced Symptoms
- Dizziness and drowsiness
- Changes in behavior
- Seizures
- Coma
Being infected with EEE can lead to death, so it's not something to wait around for if you develop symptoms. While the illness cannot be treated, if you get yourself to a hospital, the advanced symptoms can be monitored.
Massachusetts is rich in history, stunning views, amazing places to visit-and mosquitoes. While the mosquito season is long, you can enjoy everything the state has to offer if you know how to keep yourself, your family and pets healthy and the bug bites to a minimum. Treat your yard with kindness and don't forget the bug spray-applied properly-and you and everyone else in Massachusetts will have a great time enjoying your outdoor lifestyle in New England.
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