Board of Health: Beware of Fall Mosquitoes in Milton

Though the summer is coming to an end, mosquito activity is beginning to pick up, the Milton Board of Health warns.

The board, in a press release Monday, urges residents to take necessary precautions against mosquitoes and mosquito borne viruses West Nile and Eastern Equine Encephalitis.

Here are the protective measures the board advises: 

· Limit your time outdoors during peak periods of mosquito activity (dusk and dawn) or, if you must remain outdoors, wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants.

 · Use a mosquito repellent that contains DEET or Picaridin. Oil of lemon eucalyptus may also be considered. Products with permethrin should only be used on clothing. Always follow the directions on the label. Repellents should not be used on children younger than two months of age. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.

· Cover up the arms and legs of children playing outdoors. When you bring a baby outdoors, cover the baby’s carriage or playpen with mosquito netting.

· Fix any holes in screens and make sure they are tightly attached to all doors and windows.

· Remove any standing water from backyards so mosquitoes can’t breed. Mosquitoes will begin to breed in any puddle or standing water that lasts for more than four days. Make sure water does not collect and stagnate in ceramic pots, trash cans, recycling containers, old tires, wading pools, birds baths, etc. Remove leaves and debris that may prevent drainage of roof gutters.

The Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project (NCMCP) continues to conduct weekly ground based spraying on Thursday late evening between sunset and midnight based on resident’s requests and mosquito activity monitoring, weather permitting. Residents who wish to have their property sprayed by NCMCP should fill out an online request form at www.norfolkcountymosquito.org each week by Thursday at 12:00 PM.