Mosquitoes in Massachusetts

During peak mosquito season from the spring to the fall, the Cape Cod area sees a rise in mosquito-borne illnesses such as West Nile Virus (WNV), Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), Zika virus, Dengue virus, and Chikungunya virus (CHIKV).

Please see below the two maps indicating the risk of EEE in each Massachusetts community and the areas which have seen temperatures between 27-29 degrees Fahrenheit.  At these low temperatures, risk from mosquito-borne disease is considered to have ended inside that area.

How to protect yourself from mosquito-borne illness:

Avoid mosquito bites by following these tips:
  • wear long-sleeved clothing
  • avoid outdoor activity during peak mosquito times like dusk and dawn
  • use insect repellents such as DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE)
  • make certain there are no pools of standing water nearby in which mosquitoes may breed