Mosquito Control & WNV

Central Massachusetts  Mosquito Control Project (CMMCP)

 

 

The Town of Northbridge, at the Fall Annual Town Meeting held November 14, 2000, voted to become a member of the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project (CMMCP).

The CMMCP provides an integrated pest management approach to mosquito control, using mosquito surveillance, public education and other specialized techniques to limit pesticide usage and to reduce the potential for disease transmission and mosquito annoyance to the public.

CMMCP personnel investigate complaints from residents about high adult mosquito populations as well as regular surveillance of wetland areas. The results of an investigation may warrant the application of an insecticide to defined, site-specific areas of town.

Mosquito spraying is done in all CMMCP member towns by request only.

Complaint Investigations about mosquitoes may be registered by calling the CMMCP office at (508) 393-3055 between 7:00 AM and 3:30 PM Monday through Friday. Complaint Investigations can also be requested by email through their website.

Residents desiring to know if and when these investigations are scheduled to be made can call the CMMCP office after 3:30PM at (508) 393-3055 or by checking the “Pesticide Info” link on their web site:  www.cmmcp.org  

CMMCP - Commencement of Larval Mosquito Control - March 18, 2024

TIRE COLLECTION PROGRAM

ABANDONED SWIMMING  POOL TREATMENT PROGRAM

PESTICIDE EXCLUSION INFORMATION FOR RESIDENTS (Amendment of Regulations - Updated April 4, 2017)

West Nile Virus Facts

West Nile Virus (WNV) is a virus carried by mosquitoes that can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord).

WNV is spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. A mosquito becomes infected by biting a bird that carries the virus. You cannot get WNV through contact with a human or animal that has WNV. There is no evidence that a person can get the virus from handling live or dead infected birds. However, you should always use gloves when handling any dead animals and use double plastic bags to discard them in the trash.

Illness related to WNV is rare. Most people who are bitten by mosquitoes carrying WNV will experience no symptoms or very mild symptoms. Mild symptoms include fever, headache, and body aches, often with skin rash and swollen lymph glands. Severe symptoms include high fever, muscle weakness, disorientation, neck stiffness, paralysis, coma, tremors, convulsions, and rarely death. There is no vaccine or cure for WNV.

Although everyone in areas with active virus is at risk of getting WNV, persons greater than 65 years of age have the highest risk of severe disease.

 

The best way to protect yourself is to keep mosquito from biting you! Follow these steps:

1. Avoid outdoor activities between dusk and dawn since this is the time when mosquitoes are most active. If you must be outdoors when mosquitoes are active, wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants.

2. Use a mosquito repellent that contains DEET and follow directions on the label. DEET can be toxic if overused. NEVER USE DEET ON INFANTS AND DO NOT APPLY REPELLENTS TO THE FACE OR HANDS OF CHILDREN. Once inside, wash off insect repellents thoroughly with soap and water.

3. Fix any holes in your screen and be sure that they are tightly attached to doors and windows.

4. Dispose of or regularly empty metal cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, and other water holding containers on your property.

5. Pay special attention to discarded tires—they are a common place for mosquitoes to breed.

6. Clean clogged roof gutters, remove leaves and debris that may prevent drainage of water.

7. Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use. Do not allow water to stagnate in birdbaths; aerate ornamental ponds or stock them with fish.

8. Keep swimming pools clean and properly chlorinated; remove standing water from pool covers.

Click here for more information about West Nile.

Click here for more information about EEE.