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Mosquito & Tick Control Board
MISSION STATEMENT
The goal of Mosquito Control Task Force or committee is to support a mosquito monitoring and control plan in order to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. This plan is intended to be presented as an alternative to aerial spraying by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and as a viable alternative to participation in the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project. The plan may include options for educating the public, monitoring, and testing mosquitos, options for control of disease-carrying mosquito populations, and the proposed budget to implement the Plan on an annual basis.
If you are wondering about these lawn signs around Upton,
they are being displayed by residents who’ve made a
commitment to have pesticide-free yards, demonstrating that
lawns and gardens can do very well without pesticides and
thus help our pollinators.
The Friends of Upton State Forest have generously funded the production of the decorative signs designed by Upton artist Lauren Scheuer. The Friends of USF have a commitment to protecting natural resources, which include our pollinating insects. It’s a message to share with the community and supports the mission of the Upton Mosquito and Tick Control Board to inform residents about best practices regarding mosquito and tick management.
Many households consider applying insecticides to their lawns but there are other options. Among the alternatives are insects like dragonflies and spiders - they will eat mosquitoes and their larvae - at no cost, monetary or environmental. Like mosquitoes, they are affected by insecticide application. Beneficial insects like these, as well as pollinating insects, can also be killed thereby having negative impacts throughout our ecosystem. And, believe it or not, mosquitoes themselves are pollinators.
Many birds common to Massachusetts, like purple martins, hummingbirds and nighthawks, eat mosquitoes, as do other species such as turtles, bats and newts. Ticks and mosquitoes are, in fact, an important source of food for many species. Squirrels, opossums, ducks and wolf spiders, among other animals, will eat ticks. All to demonstrate that these bugs that are a nuisance to humans are still a part of our ecosystem.
This is not to say that mosquitoes and ticks are just a harmless nuisance. Lyme disease, and West Nile virus are only two of the diseases spread by them. The very best way to protect yourself from bites and diseases is to use personal protection. This is what the Center for Disease Control recommends. Covering yourself with protective clothing and using insect repellent are considered the safest and most effective ways to protect yourself from bug bites. For more information:
https://www.cdc.gov/vector-borne-diseases/prevention/index.html
And more…
Check the Upton Board of Health webpage for updates on mosquito-borne diseases in our area.
Overview
Upton has voted at least 3 times at town meetings not to join the Central Mass regional spraying program. It is strongly felt that the pesticides which are applied aerially potentially pose a threat to beneficial insects and human health. Should EEE or other high risk mosquito borne diseases pose a danger to Upton citizens, the state of Massachusetts monitors mosquito populations and conducts aerial spraying if necessary to protect public health. The typical town-wide spraying by the Central Mass Mosquito Control Project is not the safeguard for widespread health risks. We understand the concerns around mosquito borne illnesses, and their prevention is important. Fortunately, they are infrequently transmitted.
Controlling mosquito population is very important to reduce human exposure to West Nile Virus and EEE (eastern equine encephalitis). Many actions do not involve aerial spraying of pesticides. This would affect the natural balance which controls the mosquito population. Altering human behavior is also effective.
Mosquito populations can be reduced by bat populations and some insects, such as dragonflies or damselflies. Aerial spraying would kill these beneficial insects. Birds also eat mosquitoes. Barn swallows, purple martins, blue birds and cardinals to name a few. Fish, frogs, turtles also control mosquitos’ populations by eating their larvae.
Educating people about dumping outstanding water containers like tires and pots is very important. Putting up bat houses and supporting bird populations is critical in reducing mosquito populations.
The easiest thing people can do is have plants in their yard which mosquitoes do not like. Many people like these plants. This website lists the top 12 plants mosquitos don’t like:
12 Mosquito Repellent Plants | Garden Design
There is a lot that can be done to reduce negative mosquito human interactions without spraying. Repairing window screens, wearing long sleeves and mosquito repellent are a few. Avoiding peak mosquito activity times, dusk to dawn is recommended.
Natural Methods of Controlling Mosquito Populations:
https://blog.nwf.org/2020/08/meet-the-squad-of-mosquito-eating-species/
https://www.epicgardening.com/birds-eat-garden-bugs/
https://www.gardendesign.com/plants/mosquito-repellent.html
https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/flowers-and-plants/ten-plants-mosquitoes-dont-like-pictures
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8917826/
https://www.naturallivingideas.com/mosquito-eating-critters/