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 14, 2007

PRESENT CONTROL STATUS:

NUISANCE MOSQUITOES

Warmer temperatures have hastened nuisance mosquito development in water production sources. However, below normal rainfall in April (-1.31”, Wheeling) has apparently reduced numbers of Aedes vexans. New Jersey Light Trap counts are still low.

Surveillance of nuisance floodwater mosquitoes has indicated limited production of Aedes species thus far. Most crews have been diverted to Culex control until this situation changes.

CULEX MOSQUITOES

Gravid traps are already collecting Culex mosquitoes. 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. Current warm temperatures and below normal precipitation (Apr-May, so far ) will accelerate Culex mosquito development. NOAA’s current prediction is for above normal temperatures for the month of May, if this happens, will further hasten Culex numbers and possibly virus activity in our area.

Crews are currently treating street and backyard catch basins as well as stagnant ground surface water sources.

DIRECTOR’S NOTE: Once again I wish to thank those cities/villages that provided maps of off-road & backyard catch basins, subterranean vaults, pumping stations, flood control structures, tire pile locations and new building constructions! Your assistance will help our control efforts to further minimize the effects of West Nile Virus.

MOSQUITO VIRUS SURVEILLANCE IN ILLINOIS

No mosquito samples have tested positive for WNV (West Nile Virus), EEE (Eastern Equine Encephalitis) or SLE (St. Louis Encephalitis) thus far in the NWMAD District. NWMAD will continue using the VecTest for detection of West Nile, St. Louis and Eastern Equine encephalitis in adult mosquito collections. Mosquito batches testing positive for these viruses will be posted at the following website address:

http://www.nwmadil.com/VECTEST2007.htm.

The Illinois Department of Public Health has not reported any West Nile virus human cases in Illinois. DuPage County has reported 3 West Nile virus infected mosquito batches. 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.

17-YEAR LOCUSTS ARE COMING THIS YEAR!

The Chicago-land area is about to be besieged with 17-year locusts, otherwise known as, the periodical cicadas (brood XIII). These, otherwise harmless, but sometimes acoustically annoying insects are really not locusts at all, but rather plant-sucking insects of the order Hemiptera (related to the colorful leafhoppers & green treehoppers). We are about to see millions of them everywhere, more prevalently in areas with established mature trees! Cicadas may damage small trees and shrubs with their plant sucking and egg-laying activities but, otherwise, their control is unwarranted and impractical especially given the short lifespan of these insects (usually 4-6 weeks, typically end of May through June in Chicago land area). Please note: NWMAD does not control these daytime active insects and normal mosquito control treatments are not likely to noticeably affect their VERY prolific numbers.

DIRECTOR’S NOTE:

The precise time of emergence of these red-eyed, insects will be primarily dependent on temperature. Cicada nymphs generally start emerging from the ground when soil temperatures reach above 63 degrees Fahrenheit. The earlier the ground temperature warms; the earlier the adult cicada will be seen or rather heard. In that regard, the periodic cicada may also be somewhat of an early- season warning of mosquito population build-up in the Chicago land area since mosquito development is temperature dependent too. If Culex mosquito development is accelerated due to above normal May temperatures and additional weather conditions are favorable we may see earlier West Nile virus activity. It will also be interesting to observe how the massive periodic cicada numbers affect bird populations in 2007. Many species of birds feed cicadas to their young and this may result in larger bird broods. It will be interesting to see how this may affect West Nile virus dynamics in 2007 if conditions favor another outbreak!

NWMAD WEBSITE:

The NWMAD website (www.nwmadil.com) has been upgraded adding additional information on homeowner mosquito control practices specifically addressing WNV control. New information on mosquito biology has also been added. The Mosquito Update newsletter is available at this site as well as information on the history of NWMAD, personnel contacts, mosquito information links, employment opportunities and spray schedules.

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 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: mszyska@nwmadil.com)

PLEASE FORWARD THIS INFORMATION TO APPROPRIATE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES.