Southeast Massachusetts Prepares for West Nile Virus Season

West Nile Virus (WNV) season is upon us. With the testing of mosquito populations, the Department of Health can warn state residents of when the virus is present and when we should step up our mosquito control efforts in the South Shore and Fall River areas. The first infected mosquito has recently been reported in Sheffield County MA. While Sheffield is clear across the state, the first WNV positive mosquito in the state is typically just the beginning of what will soon be statewide.

What is West Nile Virus?

WNV is a virus that is transmitted by mosquitoes. While many people never know they have it, because their body fights it off, others can get extremely ill with encephalitis or meningitis and even die. Symptoms of WNV are flu-like and can include fever, headache, fatigue, skin rash, swollen lymph glands and eye pain. If you think you may have WNV you should see a doctor immediately. While there are no specific treatments, it is imperative that you receive medical attention to ensure proper steps are taken to keep you strong while your body fights off the disease.

West Nile Virus Prevention in South Massachusetts

Lowering your exposure to mosquitoes is the number one prevention for WNV. To help keep the population of mosquitoes as low as possible it is imperative that you eliminate all sources of standing water in your yard. Whether it is a low spot, ditch or kids toy that is collecting rainwater, make sure you dump it out immediately and keep it dry.

Eliminating mosquitoes in your yard with the help of Mosquito Squad of Fall River & Mosquito Squad of South Shore is a great way to keep your outdoor living safe and pest free. Our traditional barrier treatment eliminates 85-90% of mosquitoes and ticks in your yard and keeps working for up to 3 weeks. Sign up for the season to keep your yard mosquito free all summer.

Additional mosquito protection can also be provided by Bristol County. You can’t force your neighbors to keep their ditches free of debris, their yards free of standing water or convince them to have Mosquito Squad mist. But you can contact Bristol County Mosquito Control to request a community mist. The mist will be done from the street and is a great additional solution so that you can feel safe walking your pets and jogging through your neighborhood. The mist will extend 300 feet from the road when they do mist, so it is important that you plan on having Mosquito Squad control the mosquitoes in your side yard and backyard.