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 12, 2010
PRESENT CONTROL STATUS:
NUISANCE MOSQUITOES
Moderate numbers of snow pool mosquitoes have emerged over the last few weeks from rainfall in early April.
Typically they are not very problematic; common only around heavily forested areas, and usually not in great abundance in the urban areas. However, rainfall in May has currently generated larvae of the common floodwater mosquito (Aedes vexans) that will likely make its presence known sometime by the week proceeding Memorial Day if temperatures remain below normal and sooner with higher temperatures. New Jersey Light Trap counts are still low in the single digits due to evening temperatures in the 40’s & 50’s.
Crews have been actively treating water areas for the
developing aquatic mosquito larvae with the insect growth regulator methoprene
and monomolecular films.
CULEX MOSQUITOES
Culex
mosquito collections from gravid traps are still very low due to cool evening
temperatures. Residents of the District are advised to begin inspecting 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 NWMAD . 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/WNVTEST2010.htm.
The Illinois Department of
Public Health has reported that two birds have been found infected with West
Nile virus in Carroll & St. Clair counties. 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 or longer 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 or to the Cook County Department of Public Health at:
(708) 492-2650
Check night time mosquito
spraying schedules: http://www.nwmadil.com/nitespry_map.html
REDUCING THE RISK OF
MOSQUITO BITES:
As temperatures increase 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 or resting 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 7 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.