September 4: Preventative Spraying for Mosquitoes in Centralville

West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) are two of the diseases most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of an invested mosquito. The misquitoes 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. Due to recent reports of WNV positive mosquitoes, the City of Lowell has requested the Central Mass. Mosquito Control Project (CMMCP) to treat the following streets in Upper Bridge St area of the Centralville neighborhood of the city on September 4, 2025. Spraying will begin at dusk (approximately 7:30PM). In the case of inclement weather, services will be rescheduled for September 5, 2025.

Centralville - Upper Bridge St Area

• 18th St
• 19th St
• Aiken Ave
• Barker Ave
• Beacon St
• Billings St
• Boynton St
• Bridge St
• By St
• Eustis Ave
• Hildreth St
• Ludlam St
• Richardson St
• Sutherland St
• Whitney Ave
• Willard St

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 indoors.

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 Central Mass Mosquito Control Project (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 https://www.CMMCP.org or call (508) 393-3055 between 7:00am to 3:30pm M-F.