Town of Acton Reminds Residents to Take Precautions Against Mosquito and Tick-Borne Diseases

ACTON — The Town of Acton is reminding residents to take precautions to reduce exposure to mosquito- and tick-borne diseases.

With warmer weather on the way, ticks and mosquitos have begun to emerge. As seen in recent years, Massachusetts has seen cases of mosquito-borne illnesses such as Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV) throughout the summer months. Tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme Disease, can also put people and animals at risk.

The Town emphasizes the importance of proactive measures to prevent mosquitos and ticks from breeding around homes and properties and would like to remind residents of steps they can take to reduce exposure to mosquito- and tick-borne viruses:

Top Tips for Mosquito Control:

1. Eliminate Standing Water: Regularly empty and clean containers that hold water, such as flower pots, birdbaths, and gutters. Mosquitos lay eggs in standing water, so removing these breeding grounds is essential.
2. Maintain Your Yard: Trim grass and shrubs. Mosquitos rest in tall grass and shrubbery, so maintaining a tidy yard can help reduce their presence.
3. Maintain Your Property: Keep doors and window screens in good working order and repair any holes.
4. Secure Your Septic System: Make sure your septic tank is properly sealed. Inspect and repair any cracks or gaps in the tank and cover open vents or plumbing pipes with wire mesh to prevent mosquitos from entering.
5. Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones: Apply EPA-registered tick repellent on skin and clothing when spending time outdoors, especially in wooded or grassy areas. Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants and socks when outdoors to reduce exposed skin.

Top Tips for Tick Control:

1. Keep Lawns Mowed and Clear of Debris: Ticks thrive in tall grass and leaf litter. Regularly mowing the lawn and clearing away yard debris can reduce tick habitats.
2. Create a Barrier: To prevent tick migration, place a 3-foot-wide barrier of wood chips or gravel between your lawn and wooded areas.
3. Use Tick Repellent: Apply EPA-registered tick repellent on skin and clothing when spending time outdoors, especially in wooded or grassy areas.
4. Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones: Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants and socks when outdoors to reduce exposed skin. Check yourself, your children and your pets as soon as you come inside, and if you find a tick attached, promptly remove it with fine-tipped tweezers.

To learn more about mosquito- and tick-borne viruses, visit www.mass.gov/mosquitoes-and-ticks.