Below is a press release shared by the Wilmington Health Department:
WILMINGTON, MA — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has informed the Health Department that a mosquito collection from the Central Mass Mosquito Control Projects (CMMCP) traps in Town has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). The CMMCP will continue surveillance and to treat larvicide in catch basins in Town. Wilmington joins other communities in the region with mosquito samples that have tested positive.
The Town of Wilmington has coordinated with the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project (CMMCP) to spray designated areas of concern on Wednesday, August 26, 2026 at 8:30pm to midnight.
Desigated areas of concern include:
Aspen Drive
Bluejay Court
Bradford Road
Cardinal Court
Dana Court
Fairmeadow Road
Fifth Street
Flagstaff Road
Grace Drive
Harold Avenue
Indian Road
Jere Road
Kansas Road
Lords Court
Melody Lane
Mink Run Road
New Hampshire Road
Nichols Street
Ohio Street
Pouliot Place
Rand Street
Reed Street
Reno Road
Rhode Island Road
Russell Road
Sandy Lane
Shawsheen Avenue
Vermont Road
Residents within these areas should follow these spray precautions:
— Please close street facing windows and keep pets inside between sunset and midnight if possible to allow more thorough application. This type pf pesticide is similar to the ones used for flea and tick control.
— Remain inside during the application and for 15-20 minutes afterwards.
— Accidental exposure is not expected to cause any health concerns in most people.
— No precautions are needed the day after the application as all applications will have evaporated.
— Residents with gardens are advised to wash off vegetables before consuming them
— There is no need to cover pools as the spray is an oil-based product and will dissipate quickly.
— Any “outside air” controls on older window unit air conditions should be turned off.
Residents have the ability to opt to of spraying in front of their property by visiting:
https://www.mass.gov/forms/request-for-exclusion-from-wide-area-application-of-pesticides.
Those wishing to opt out of the spraying program should do so at the provided link as soon as possible to ensure they are excluded.
FAQ’s on how to prepare for spraying and what to do after spraying: https://www.cmmcp.org/m/faq?cat=17.
The public is urged to practice the Five D’s of prevention: Avoid DAWN and DUSK, when mosquitoes are most active; DRESS in long-sleeved clothing; use insect repellent with DEET; and Drain any standing water from around your home.
By taking a few precautions, people can help to protect themselves and their loved ones:
— Avoid Mosquito Bites: 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.
— 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.
— Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. When risk is increased, 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.
— Mosquito-Proof your home drain standing water. Many mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or getting rid of items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools and change water in birdbaths frequently.
— Install or repair screens. Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all your windows and doors.
Information about WNV and reports of current and historical WNV virus activity in Massachusetts can be found on the MDPH website at: www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito.
For more information about the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project, including information on spraying and requesting service, please visit: https://www.cmmcp.org/ or call (508) 393-3055.
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