NORTHWEST MOSQUITO
ABATEMENT DISTRICT
WHAT:
In 1927 the State Legislature adopted the "Mosquito Abatement Districts Act" (70 ILCS 1005) enabling the formation of locally-sponsored, tax supported districts organized for the primary purpose of abating mosquitoes. The Northwest Mosquito Abatement District was organized in April, 1956 and formed by public election in 9 townships. Boundaries (map) encompass the townships of Barrington, Palatine, Wheeling, Hanover, Schaumburg, Elk Grove, Maine, 1 sq. mile of Norwood Park and 6 sq. miles of Northfield. This is a land area of approximately 242 sq. miles. The Northwest Mosquito Abatement District's main office is located in Wheeling and 2 seasonal auxiliary facilities located in Hoffman Estates, and Elk Grove.
WHY:
Adult nuisance mosquito invasions and migrations into the District, have historically presented a deterrent to recreation and working conditions: additionally, adult mosquitoes are potential carriers of diseases, such as encephalitis, West Nile Virus and other mosquito arboviruses, which could affect the health of residents in the District.
HOW:
The Board of Trustees has established the following objectives for the District and staff:
(1) To abate the pest mosquito, as well as potential disease carrying mosquitoes.
(2) To operate and function for the benefit of the majority of the residents in the District.
(3) To use established integrated pest management methods and techniques to abate mosquitoes including: surveillance, larviciding, adult mosquito control, source reduction and public education.
WHO:
Members of the governing Board of Trustees are appointed by the Board of Commissioners of Cook County, Illinois. The Trustees reside within the District, serve without compensation, and attend regularly scheduled monthly public meetings. The Board of Trustees is ultimately responsible for the abatement of mosquitoes within the District and the acquisition of supplies, materials, property and labor to accomplish the task. The District presently employs a staff of 13 full-time employees and 54 seasonal.
Page updated 12/30/2005