Mainers are at a higher risk of contracting mosquito-borne illnesses than usual this autumn.
Maine mosquitoes carry three illnesses that can be fatal or seriously harm people: West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, and Jamestown Canyon Virus. All three have been confirmed here this year, with West Nile Virus found in 15 animals and one person.
Cumberland, Kennebec, Penobscot, Somerset and Waldo counties are now considered high risk areas, while the rest of the state is at elevated risk, according to the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
The state is recommending extra caution for schools and outdoor kids’ activities, including youth sports. Maine schools are required to have pest management plans.
We’ll be at risk this year until two hard frosts kill off the mosquitos, according to the center. Until then, they’ll be the most active from dusk to dawn on days that are 50 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer.
To prevent getting sick, you need to avoid getting bitten. Here’s what you can do to lower your own risk.
Use a repellent
You have several choices for mosquito repellent, including DEET, picaridin, IR3535 and permethrin, a treatment spray that will last on your clothes through several washings.
If you’re concerned about the health effects of using heavy-duty repellents, you can try sprays made from oil of lemon eucalyptus, which is made from a tree and also works on other insects.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency offers an online search tool for more detailed information about sprays.
Cover up
Wearing long sleeves, long pants, and socks makes it more difficult for mosquitoes to access your skin. If you’re not concerned about fashion, tucking your pants into your socks is another way to reduce their opportunities to get to you.
Reduce mosquito habitat
Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water. Take a look around your yard and empty or overturn anything that might be providing this habitat, such as buckets, wheelbarrows, clogged gutters, tarps and tires.
Make sure your window screens are tight and don’t have holes that could let mosquitoes in.
Call your doctor if you do find a bite and feel like you have the flu, get a severe headache or notice your behavior is changing.
