North Andover is spraying for mosquitoes this month. The town posted a public notice on Monday, July 21, with the full schedule available in English and Spanish PDF documents on the North Andover News website.

The notice, published by Sarah Brush, links to documents listing specific dates, times, and locations for the July 2026 treatments. Residents can find the full schedule at northandoverma.news.

The spraying comes during an unusually active mosquito season nationally. The CDC reported that as of the end of June 2026, at least 48 human cases of West Nile virus had been confirmed across the country. That is the highest number at that point in the year since 2004. Twenty-three states reported West Nile virus activity, the most in a decade.

What residents should do

The North Andover Board of Health has advised residents to take these steps during mosquito season:

  • Avoid outdoor activity during peak mosquito hours, dusk to dawn.
  • Wear long sleeves and pants when outside.
  • Apply insect repellent containing DEET (30% or less for children; not for infants under two months), permethrin, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (not for children under three).
  • Drain standing water around the home, including rain gutters, unused flowerpots, wading pools, and birdbaths.
  • Install or repair window and door screens.

The disease risk

West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the United States, according to the CDC. Most infected people show no symptoms, but about one in five develop fever, headaches, or body aches. Fewer than 1% develop serious neurological illness. Older adults and people with weakened immune systems face the greatest risk.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis is rarer but far deadlier. A Massachusetts Department of Public Health fact sheet hosted on the North Andover town website states that about half of Massachusetts EEE patients have died. There is no treatment. Symptoms appear three to 10 days after a bite and include high fever, stiff neck, headache, and lack of energy.

Peak mosquito season in Massachusetts runs through early fall, with risk highest in July and August.

How to stay informed

The Board of Health directs residents to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health website for current risk maps and surveillance data. The full July 2026 spraying notice, including the Spanish-language version, is posted here.