Mosquito Safety

Mosquito-borne illnesses spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Learn about mosquito-borne illnesses, mosquito bite prevention, and mosquito control below.

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In Boston, mosquitoes can carry West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and are most active from July to September. Mosquitoes get these diseases from birds and can pass them to people through bites. You cannot catch them directly from birds. Most bites cause no or mild symptoms, but some can be serious.

617-534-5395
infectiousdisease@bphc.org
1010 Massachusetts Ave.

Boston, MA 02118

West Nile Virus Risk

As of October 31, 2025: The risk level for West Nile Virus in Boston is medium.

How to Prevent Mosquito Bites

Check out these tips to prevent mosquito bites, exposure to mosquitos, and mosquito breeding. People age 50+ and those who are immunocompromised should avoid outdoor activity between dusk and dawn.

Use EPA-approved repellents: DEET (≤30%), oil of lemon eucalyptus (not for children under 3), picaridin, or IR3535.
- Always follow label directions.
- Apply only to exposed skin and clothing, not on open cuts or under clothing.
- Do not let children apply repellent themselves. Avoid eyes, mouth, and hands.
- Use only approved repellents on pets.
- Wash skin with soap and water after returning indoors. Wash clothing before wearing again.
Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks.
Tuck shirts into pants to keep mosquitoes from getting under clothing.

Avoid Mosquito Exposure

Limit time outdoors from dusk to dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
Use window and door screens that fit properly and are free of holes.

PREVENT Mosquito Breeding

Remove standing water where mosquitoes lay eggs.

Empty and turn over unused containers (flowerpots, buckets, garbage cans, wheelbarrows).

Change bird bath water weekly.

Clean out gutters to prevent water buildup.

Cover unused swimming pools; flip over kiddie pools when not in use; keep large pools clean, treated, and circulating.

Dispose of, or cover, old tires.

Mosquito-Borne Illnesses

West Nile Virus

West Nile Virus is a rare disease. It is spread to people when mosquitoes bite infected birds and then bite humans. West Nile Virus carrying mosquitoes appear in Boston every year during the summer and fall months.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)

Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus is a rare but serious disease that is spread from the bite of a mosquito.

Most people who get West Nile Virus don’t feel sick or only have mild symptoms like fever or body aches, but in rare cases it can cause severe illness. EEE is less common but can cause severe illness.
West Nile Virus and EEE share many symptoms like high fever and headaches, so it is important to talk to your health care provider if you start to experience these symptoms following mosquito bites.

Educational Materials

Heading Outside

Guidance on how to prevent diseases caused by mosquito and tick bites.

Mosquito Control

We partner with the Suffolk County Mosquito Control Project to protect Boston residents from mosquito-borne disease transmission. They collect mosquito samples in traps every week during the summer and early fall. These traps are throughout the city. They test the samples at the Hinton State Laboratory to determine if West Nile Virus or Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus is present.

Positive Collection Results: Summer 2023-2025

Neighborhood	Date Collected	Species	Agents
Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Roxbury, Roslindale, West Roxbury, East Boston	September 9, 2025	Culex pipiens/restuans, Aedes vexans	West Nile Virus
Jamaica Plain, Brighton	September 3, 2025	Culex pipiens/restuans	West Nile Virus
Dorchester, East Boston	August 27, 2025	Culex salinarius	West Nile Virus
Dorchester	August 20, 2025	Culex salinarius	West Nile Virus
Jamaica Plain, Brighton	August 13, 2025	Culex pipiens/restuans	West Nile Virus
Dorchester, South Boston, Mattapan	August 12, 2025	Culex pipiens/restuans	West Nile Virus
Hyde Park, Dorchester, West Roxbury, East Boston	August 7, 2025	Culex pipiens/restuans	West Nile Virus
Brighton, Jamaica Plain	August 6, 2025	Culex pipiens/restuans, ochleropatus japonicus	West Nile Virus
West Roxbury	July 29, 2025	Culex pipiens/restuans	West Nile Virus
Hyde Park	July 24, 2025	Culex pipiens/restuans	West Nile Virus
Hyde Park	July 24, 2025	Culex pipiens/restuans	West Nile Virus
Mattapan	July 22, 2025	Culex pipiens/restuans	West Nile Virus
West Roxbury, Jamaica Plain, Roslindale	July 15, 2025	Culex pipiens/restuans, ochleropatus japonicus	West Nile Virus
Hyde Park, West Roxbury	July 8, 2025	Culex pipiens/restuans	West Nile Virus