NORTHWEST MOSQUITO
ABATEMENT DISTRICT
147 W. Hintz Rd.
Wheeling, IL. 60090
Phone: (847) 537-2306
Fax: (847) 537-2583
www.nwmadil.com
Mosquito Update
May 8, 2009
PRESENT CONTROL STATUS:
NUISANCE MOSQUITOES
Recent warmer temperatures have produced early season adult snow pool mosquitoes over the last couple of weeks. Typically they are common only around heavily forested areas and not in great abundance in the urban areas. However, above normal rainfall (5.2”-March and 5.19”- April, respectively 2.55” & 1.51” above mean rainfall amounts-O’Hare) has also produced floodwater mosquitoes (Aedes vexans) that will be making their presence known by this weekend and/or the first half of next week. New Jersey Light Trap counts are still low due to temperatures in the 40’s & 50’s that reduce this mosquito’s activity in the evening hours.
Crews have been actively treating water areas
for the developing mosquito larvae with the insect growth regulator methoprene.
CULEX MOSQUITOES
Culex mosquito collections
from gravid traps are still very low due to cool evening temperatures. Residents
of the District are advised to inspect their properties for stagnant water
filled containers that may produce these types of mosquitoes. Examples of mosquito production areas
encountered by homeowners can be viewed at: http://www.nwmadil.com/breeding sites1.htm.
DIRECTOR’S NOTE: Once again I wish to thank those
cities/villages and Health Departments that provided maps of off-road &
backyard catch basins, subterranean vaults, storm water traps, pumping stations, flood control structures,
tire pile locations, neglected swimming pools, and new or forestalled building
constructions!
Also, please be aware that due to continuing
economic hardships and abundant housing foreclosures we have observed an
increase in Culex mosquito production from neglected swimming pools and
numerous mosquito infested water containers abandoned on foreclosed properties.
Your assistance in reporting such properties will help our control efforts to
further minimize the effects of West Nile Virus.
No mosquito samples have tested positive for WNV or other arboviruses thus far in the NWMAD District. NWMAD will continue using both the VecTest and RAMP Arboviral tests for detection of West Nile virus, St. Louis and Eastern Equine encephalitis in adult mosquito collections. All in-house arboviral testing will also be tested with RT-PCR via the Illinois Natural History Survey, DNR.
Mosquito batches testing positive for these viruses will be posted at the following website address:
http://www.nwmadil.com/VECTEST2009.htm.
The Illinois Department of
Public Health has not reported any West Nile virus human cases or other arboviruses in Illinois.
More information about WNV can be found on the state’s website: www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/wnv.htm or by calling
217-782-5830. The State’s website also
has other valuable resource links on WNV, pesticides and mosquito control.
NWMAD WEBSITE:
Report 10-day standing water
problem: http://www.nwmadil.com/water source rpt.htm
Report sick/dead birds or
other animals: http://www.nwmadil.com/Dead Birds.html
Check night time mosquito
spraying schedules: http://www.nwmadil.com/nitespry_map.html
REDUCING THE RISK OF
MOSQUITO BITES:
Avoid outdoor activity if
possible from dusk to dawn when the mosquitoes bite the most. If you do go out wear light colored, loose
fitting, protective clothing and insect repellent (always read label warnings
and directions). Make sure mosquitoes do
not enter homes through unscreened or broken doors or windows. Residents are encouraged not to create
mosquito harborage areas. Make sure tall
grassy areas are trimmed and other unnecessary vegetation is cut back. If plants must be watered do so in the
morning so the vegetation and soil has a chance to dry making it less
attractive to mosquitoes. Empty any
containers holding stagnating water for 5 days or longer like: tire casings,
birdbaths, flowerpots and rain barrels that may produce mosquitoes. Neglected
swimming pools may produce thousands of mosquitoes. Call the District to report large stagnant
water areas that remain wet for more than 7 days.
Mike Szyska
Director
(Email:
PLEASE FORWARD
THIS INFORMATION TO APPROPRIATE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES.