West Nile Virus Detected in Mosquito Sample, Spraying Scheduled

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 13, 2025   

On Tuesday, August 12, the Town of Westford alerted the public that mosquitoes with West Nile Virus were detected in Westford. Based upon that information, precautionary spraying will occur on Thursday, August 14 after 8 p.m.

To reduce exposure to West Nile Virus (WNV), Central Mass Mosquito Control Project (CMMCP) will spray the targeted area streets in Westford, on Thursday August 14, after 8 p.m. Please see the street list and map below. Treatment is for this specific area of the community. CMMCP will also continue normal spray operations in Westford.

Generally, there is no need to relocate during mosquito control spraying. This pesticide application has been evaluated for this use and found to pose minimal risks to human health and the environment when used according to label directions. Although mosquito control pesticides pose low risks, some people may prefer to avoid or further minimize exposure. Some commonsense steps to help reduce possible exposure to pesticides include:

• Remain indoors during the application to the immediate area (please remain inside for 15-20 minutes, or longer at your discretion).
• People who suffer from chemical sensitivities or feel spraying may aggravate a preexisting health condition may consult their physician or local health department and take special measures to avoid exposure.
• Close street-facing windows and turn off the outside setting on window-unit air conditioners when spraying is taking place in the immediate area (you may open windows and activate AC units 15-20 minutes after the application, or longer at your discretion).
• Do not let children play near or behind truck-mounted applicators when they are in use (pets should be brought inside if possible or their cages covered to allow a wider application to be performed).
• Wash off any vegetables from home gardens after spraying and before consuming them.

1. What can you do to protect yourself from WNV?

Since WNV is most commonly spread by mosquitoes, here are some things you can do to reduce your chances of being bitten:

• Schedule outdoor events to avoid the hours between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
• When you are outdoors, wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and socks. This may be difficult to do when the weather is hot, but it will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
• Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535 (3-[N-butyl-N-acetyl]-aminopropionic acid) or oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-menthane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] according to the instructions given 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.
• Keep mosquitoes out of your house by repairing any holes in your screens and making sure they are tightly attached to all your doors and windows.
• Remove areas of standing water around your home. Here are some suggestions: 
  • Look around outside your house for containers and other things that might collect water and turn them over, regularly empty them, or dispose of them.
  • Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are left outdoors so that water can drain out.
  • Clean clogged roof gutters; remove leaves and debris that may prevent drainage of rainwater.
  • Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
  • Change the water in birdbaths every few days; aerate ornamental ponds or stock them with fish.
  • Keep swimming pools clean and properly chlorinated; remove standing water from pool covers.
  • Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.

2. What can you do to protect your animals from WNV? 

Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools – especially after heavy rains. Water troughs provide excellent mosquito breeding habitats and should be flushed out to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent West Nile virus (WNV) and EEE. If an animal is suspected of having WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to the Department of Agricultural Resources, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795, and to the Department of Public Health by calling 617-983-6800.

STREETS

• ABBOT STREET
• BAYBERRY ROAD
• BOUTWELL HILL ROAD
• BRIDGE STREET
• CHRISTINA LANE
• COLD SPRING ROAD
• CONCORD ROAD
• COUNTRY ROAD
• CRESCENT STREET
• CRICKET LANE
• EAST PRESCOTT STREET
• EVERGREEN CIRCLE
• FORGE VILLAGE ROAD
• GRANITEVILLE ROAD
• KYLEMORE DRIVE
• LONG MEADOW ROAD
• MACQUARRIE LANE
• MILOT ROAD
• MULBERRY LANE
• NORTH MAIN STREET
• OLD HOMESTEAD ROAD
• PATTEN ROAD
• PEARSON WAY
• PINE RIDGE ROAD
• PINE STREET
• PLEASANT STREET
• ROOKS WAY
• RUSH ROAD
• THOMAS LANE

TOWN FARM ROAD

 The Westford Health Department continues to work closely with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project regarding the data samples, mosquito trapping areas, and next steps. The goal is to reduce mosquito exposure to the public and the potential for disease transmission.