West Nile virus was discovered in mosquito samples in the Northeast about a month ago.  On Thursday, a Massachusetts resident was diagnosed with the virus, the sixth human case since the beginning of the month.

The Department of Public Health confirmed that this diagnosis is the first human case in someone under the age of 50.  Approximately eight U.S. states have been put on high alert, in what is considered peak season for this mosquito-borne illness.  Other northeast states include New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Delaware.  According to the Centers for Disease Control, now is the time to ramp up or maintain preventative measures against mosquito bites.

These Massachusetts locales have been raised to moderate West Nile virus risk, as of September 16.

• Bristol County – Fall River and Seekonk
• Essex County – North Andover
• Plymouth County – Bridgewater, East Bridgewater, Halifax, and Plympton
• Worcester County – Blackstone, Hopedale, Milford, and Millville

At home mosquito control must not be halted.

As the summer begins to wind down and the kids go back to school, our minds are apt to leave the thought of mosquito control behind.  As we close our backyard pools, we must remember that mosquitoes still pose a real threat this time of year.  I always recommend continuing your professional mosquito control regimen all the way through October.  This means that if you have employed the professionals for Wellesley mosquito control in Massachusetts, or Litchfield mosquito control in New Hampshire, do not halt your service.  You can embolden your mosquito protection efforts by following the 7 T’s of mosquito control.

We must also remember to use personal mosquito protection as the autumn weather brings us outdoors for hiking and other outdoor activities.  Effective choices are DEET and Picaridin.

How else can you protect yourself from potentially-infected mosquito bites?

If you are planning an outdoor party or any other celebration in the fall, plan for a safe and successful event with special event mosquito control.  These one-time sprays are deployed to augment your mosquito control to help keep mosquitoes at bay – away from food tables, away from your guests.  With special event mosquito barrier sprays, you will experience far fewer mosquitoes at your outdoor party.  In fact, your even can be freed of up to 90% of mosquitoes that would otherwise be buzzing around your family reunion or evening wedding completely uninvited.  And let’s face it, swarms of mosquitoes are at the very least, a nuisance.

Also read: Is DEET better than Picaridin for hiking?