July 30 & August 6: Preventative Spraying for Mosquitoes

West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) are two of the diseases most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. The mosquitoes that carry these viruses are common throughout the state and are found in urban as well as more rural areas. While WNV and EEE can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe infection.

As a result, the City of Lowell has requested the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Program (CMMCP) preventatively treat the Cawley Stadium Complex (424 Douglas Rd), the Pyne Arts Magnet School (145 Boylston St), Shedd Park complex (495 Rogers St), Butler Middle School (1140 Gorham St), and Shaughnessy Elementary School (1158 Gorham St) on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, as well as the Wang Middle School (365 West Meadow Rd) and Pawtucketville Memorial Elementary School (425 West Meadow Rd) on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. Spraying will take place at dusk (approximately 8:30PM) on both occasions. In the case of inclement weather, services will be rescheduled for Thursday, July 31, 2025, and Thursday, August 7, 2025, respectively. Additionally, the CMMCP will be spraying in the city on August 13, 20, 27.

Spraying on Wednesday, July 30, will take place on the following streets:

• Boylston Street
• Clark Road
• Deerfield Street
• Douglas Road
• Exchange Place
• Fay Street
• Glenmere Street
• Gorham Street
• Hanks Street
• High Street
• Knapp Avenue
• Lawrence Street
• Lundberg Street
• Meadowcroft Street
• O'Connell Street
• O'Connor Drive
• Park Avenue
• Park Avenue East
• Park Avenue West
• Pihl Street
• Potter Street
• Rogers Street
• Stratham Street
• Village Street
• Weinbeck Street
• Windward Road
• Woodvale Lane

By taking a few, common sense precautions, people can help to protect themselves and their loved ones from mosquito borne illnesses:

Avoid Mosquito Bites

• Apply Insect Repellent when you go outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-mtoluamide), 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 the 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 in

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. Contact CMMPC to treat unused swimming pools or to reclaim used rimless tires.
• Install or Repair Screens - Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly fitting screens on all your windows and doors, covering up and/or wearing repellant.

The CMMCP Mosquito Spraying Program is also available for free to any resident that would like to have their property or unused swimming pool preventatively treated. Additionally, CMMCP has a used tire reclamation program for residents who wish to dispose of tires removed from the rims.

Information about CMMCP's available programs, to schedule a treatment request, or for precautions to take during spraying, please visit CMMCP's website.