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 19, 2005

PRESENT CONTROL STATUS:

NUISANCE MOSQUITOES

Cool temperatures and has slowed nuisance mosquito development. Early season adult mosquitoes have already been reported in woodland areas. Trap counts are still very low due to low nighttime temperatures. Low numbers of Aedes stimulans have been caught in light traps. The floodwater mosquito (Aedes vexans) has been found in vernal pond areas but previously dry conditions have so far limited numbers of this species. Additional rains will increase numbers of this nuisance mosquito depending on temperatures. In addition, Aedes dorsalis has been a nuisance to residents in the Northbrook portion of the District. This nuisance species has been produced; in the past, from industrial waste-water areas in Illinois and saline ditches and impoundments along the I-294 in our area. Crews have inspected and treated water impoundments along I-294.

Crews have begun treating standing water areas with the insect growth regulator methoprene.

CULEX MOSQUITOES

Gravid traps are already collecting Culex. 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 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

NWMAD has performed the VecTest on 58 batches of Culex mosquitoes thus far in 2006. No mosquito samples tested positive for WNV (West Nile Virus), EEE (Eastern Equine Encephalitis) or SLE (St. Louis Encephalitis).

The Illinois Department of Public Health has not reported any West Nile virus human cases 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 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/VECTEST2006.htm.

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.