EEE/West Nile Virus
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Frequently Asked Questions about Mosquitoes in Massachusetts
Are there different kinds of mosquitoes?
Yes. About 3000 different kinds (also called "species") of mosquitoes have been identified worldwide, with more than 150 different kinds of mosquitoes found in North America. Fifty-one different kinds of mosquitoes have been found in Massachusetts.
Where are mosquitoes usually found?
Most adults spend the day in damp, shady areas where they can find protection from the sun; some of them will even hide in your house. Mosquitoes need water to lay their eggs in and plants to hide in so they are usually found around water and plants. Mosquito eggs are laid on water or damp soil where the young mosquitoes grow and develop.
Different mosquitoes prefer different kinds of water. Some like swamps or ponds and others prefer water in swimming and wading pools, old tires, watering cans, flower pots, trash cans, etc. When the young mosquito turns into an adult, it leaves the water and flies away.
How long do mosquitoes live?
Most female mosquitoes live for less than 2 weeks and most male mosquitoes live for less than a week. However, when the conditions are right, some mosquitoes will live up to 8 weeks. The life cycle of all mosquitoes includes four different stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Adult mosquitoes are the only ones that fly.
Why do mosquitoes bite?
Only female mosquitoes bite to suck blood. The female uses the blood to make eggs. Male and female mosquitoes use plant nectars and fruit juices as their main source of food.
Do all female mosquitoes bite humans?
No. Different kinds of mosquitoes like different types of blood. Some mosquitoes feed on animals like frogs, turtles and birds. Other kinds bite mammals, including horses and humans. Some will bite both birds and mammals including humans. These mosquito species play an important role in spreading disease between birds and other mammals, including humans. Diseases that are usually found in birds can be transmitted to humans (and some other mammals, like horses) by mosquitoes that bite both birds and mammals.
When am I most likely to be bitten by a mosquito?
You can be bitten at any time. Different kinds of mosquitoes are active at different times of the day. Most mosquitoes are active from just before dusk, through the night until dawn.
How does a mosquito find an animal or human to bite?
Female mosquitoes are attracted to the gas (carbon dioxide) that humans and other animals breathe out. Mosquitoes can follow a stream of carbon dioxide from as far as 50 feet away. Mosquitoes are also attracted to substances like lactic acid on your skin, which your body produces in greater amounts when exercising. Mosquitoes may also be attracted to certain scents or fragrances and are more attracted to dark colors than light colors.
Why are mosquito bites a concern?
Some mosquitoes carry germs that can make people and some animals sick. Mosquitoes can transmit germs when they bite. In Massachusetts, the diseases linked to mosquitoes are West Nile virus (WNV) and eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus.
Do all mosquitoes spread germs to people?
No. In fact, most mosquito bites will only cause itching or skin irritation. However, some species found in Massachusetts carry viruses that can cause illness.
Where can I get more information?
For information on diseases spread by mosquitoes and how to prevent them, call the MDPH, Division of Epidemiology and Immunization at 617-983-6800 or visit the MDPH Arbovirus website.
For information on mosquito repellents: review the MDPH Public Health Fact Sheet on Mosquito Repellents online.
For information on mosquito control in your city or town: The State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board (SRMCB) within the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources oversees mosquito control in Massachusetts.
Dear Stonehill Community,
The College continues to work with the State and Bristol County to minimize the risk of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in the area.
As a follow up to the ground-based spraying last week, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources is doing another round of aerial spraying this evening, September 19th, 2019, starting at 7 PM.
If you want additional information regarding the impact of mosquito control efforts and spraying, please take a look at the EEE in Massachusetts page from the State Department of Public Health.
Sincerely,
Martin McGovern, Director, Communications and Media Relations
The Town of Easton’s Board of Health has received notice from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, that after the second aerial spraying, Easton continued to receive testing results of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), positive pools of mosquitoes within the town. It is advised that all outdoor activities are avoided from dusk to dawn and to use mosquito repellent approved by the EPA when going out doors.
The College has already taken a number of precautions, as well as worked with the State and Bristol County to coordinate both aerial and ground-based spraying of campus to reduce the mosquito population in the area.
Other precautions taken by the College:
- Posting warnings across campus about mosquito-borne illness and how to minimize risk;
- Stocking buildings and departments on campus with insect repellent; and
- Relocating or rescheduling as many summer and fall evening and early morning events, meetings, and practices as possible.
The College will continue to monitor and assess the situation, and will inform the community if there are any new developments.
Stonehill College Health Services strongly recommends the following tips to avoid mosquito bites:
- Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours - The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning. If you are outdoors at any time and notice mosquitoes around you, take steps to avoid being bitten by moving indoors, covering up and/or wearing repellant.
- Clothing Can Help reduce mosquito bites. Although it may be difficult to do when it’s hot, wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
- Apply Insect Repellent when you go outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age. Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear and should not be applied to skin.
For more information please visit the Town of Easton's Board of Health website.
Dear Stonehill Community,
We are following up our last update regarding the issue of mosquito-borne illness in Easton.
Recently, the Mass. Department of Public Health announced that due to the number of trapped local mosquitoes testing positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), they have elevated the risk level for Easton, as well as Raynham, Norton, and many other communities, to CRITICAL.
The College has already taken a number of precautions, as well as worked with the State and Bristol County to coordinate two aerial and one ground-based spraying of campus to reduce the mosquito population in the area.
Those precautions also include:
- Posting warnings across campus about mosquito-borne illness and how to minimize risk;
- Stocking buildings and departments on campus with insect repellent; and
- Relocating or rescheduling as many summer and fall evening and early morning events, meetings, and practices as possible.
Please note, not all mosquitoes carry germs that make people sick and infection continues to be unlikely. EEE, specifically, is extremely rare, with fewer than 100 reported cases since the virus was identified in Massachusetts in 1938. Still, it is a dangerous illness and we take all risks to campus safety extremely seriously.
The College will continue to monitor and assess the situation, and will inform the community if there are any new developments.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) announced today that Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) Virus has been detected in a goat in Norton, Massachusetts. In accordance with the MDPH’s Arbovirus Surveillance and Response Plan, Easton’s risk level has been changed to critical.
Below is a link to from the Easton Board of Health Department. Please review the letter and information on EEE and prevention tips.
Letter from the Town of Easton
We would ask that you read this information and take appropriate prevention precautions.
Thank you,
Maria Sullivan, M.M.Sc., PA-C
Director of Health Services
(508)-565-1307
Dear Stonehill Community,
We are following up on last week's update regarding the issue of mosquito-borne illness in Easton.
Last night, the Mass. Department of Public Health announced that due to the number of trapped local mosquitoes testing positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), they have elevated the risk level for Easton, as well as Carver, Freetown, Lakeville, Middleboro, New Bedford, and Raynham, to HIGH.
Due to the new risk level, the State and the Easton Board of Health are recommending that the Easton community, including Stonehill, postpone or cancel all dusk to dawn activities.
In response, the College is taking a number of precautions, including:
Notifying all summer camps and event hosts and encouraging them to move evening and pre-dawn events indoors;
Posting warnings across campus about mosquito-borne illness and how to minimize risk;
Stocking buildings and departments on campus with insect repellent;
Relocating or rescheduling as many preseason and fall evening and early morning events, meetings, and practices as possible; and
Looking into the effectiveness and environmental impact of treating campus to decrease the mosquito population.
Please note, not all mosquitoes carry germs that make people sick and infection continues to be unlikely. EEE, specifically, is extremely rare, with fewer than 100 reported cases since the virus was identified in Massachusetts in 1938. Still, it is a dangerous illness and we take all risks to campus safety extremely seriously.
The College will continue to monitor and assess the situation, and will inform the community if there are any new developments.
Massachusetts Department of Public Health: Fact Sheet on Mosquito Repellants
Thank you,
Maria Sullivan, M.M.Sc., PA-C
Director of Health Services
(508)-565-1307