NUISANCE MOSQUITO CONTROL

May rains have produced a significant number of floodwater mosquitoes. New Jersey light traps have currently spiked to 2-5X our annoyance threshold limit (35 Aedes vexans females per trap). Significantly higher temperatures will increase mosquito activity/biting in the evenings/early mornings, as well as, shady high vegetation areas during the daytime hours. Numbers of floodwater mosquitoes are expected to peak out this week, but, additional predicted rains may produce additional broods.

Crews continue to treat floodwater areas with the insect growth regulator methoprene and the microbial larvicide Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti).

CULEX MOSQUITOES

Culex mosquito numbers continue to increase steadily. Elevated temperatures will hasten their development as well as the risk for West Nile Virus (WNV). Residents are advised to inspect their properties for stagnate water areas that produce these mosquitoes. Any container that holds water and organic debris for greater than 7 days can produce many of these mosquitoes.

Crews are currently treating backyard and street catch basins with 150-Day Altosid Ingots (methoprene). Other above ground stagnant water mosquito producing sites will be treated with the microbial insecticide Bacillus sphaericus.

BACKYARD CATCH BASIN TREATMENTS:

NWMAD has begun treatment of backyard catch basins with the insect growth regulator methoprene (a.k.a. Altosid 150-Day Ingots). The formulation of briquette we place in the basins will provide season long mosquito control as long as the basins are not cleaned out so that the briquette is removed. Rainfall and additional water (i.e. lawn sprinkling) will not reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. Altosid briquettes are not harmful to people or pets. Basins are only treated if they have sumps or pits that collect and hold water for 10 days or longer. For more information on methoprene (Altosid) visit the following website: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/larvicides4mosquitos.htm.

NOTE: Residences where we treat backyard catch basins will receive a yellow door hanger indicating that we performed the treatment as well as additional mosquito prevention suggestions and the District’s phone number for additional information.

ADULTICIDING (Night Spraying Operation):

Nighttime spraying for adult mosquitoes will be beginning tonight weather permitting. Nuisance mosquitoes have exceeded our spray threshold and the medically important Culex mosquitoes numbers are rapidly building. Adulticiding activities will be initially directed toward communities along the Des Plaines and Salt Creek rivers most affected by flood rains. As flood water levels continue to recede back into the rivers and creek systems they frequently produce stagnating pools attractive to egg-laying Culex mosquitoes further increasing their numbers. Additionally, we will be adulticiding throughout Barrington and the northeast corner of Hanover Township. All planned spraying operations are weather dependent. Nightly spraying schedules can be viewed at the following website: http://www.nwmadil.com/District_map1.html. Alternately, a recorded phone message describing our scheduled nighttime spray program can be reached at (847) 537-2306 and pressing “5” on your telephone keypad. More information regarding our Adulticiding program may be viewed at: http://www.nwmadil.com/Night Spray info1.html

MOSQUITO VIRUS SURVEILLANCE IN ILLINOIS

NWMAD has tested 65 batches of mosquitoes for West Nile Virus, St. Louis and Eastern Equine encephalitis. Collections have been from throughout the NWMAD territory. All tests have been negative for virus. Mosquito pools testing positive in the District will be posted at the NWMAD website http://www.nwmadil.com/VECTEST1.htm.

DEAD BIRD SURVIELLANCE INFORMATION:

NWMAD has received 60 dead bird reports. No dead birds infected with WNV have been reported in the NWMAD District as of yet. Cities, villages and the public are encouraged to report dead birds to our District’s Dead Bird/Animal reporting web page, which can be accessed at www.nwmadil.com. Knowing this information allows our District to better focus our control efforts. The Cook County Department of Public Health is testing dead birds for WNV. Anyone wishing to have recently dead crows and blue jays tested for virus should phone the Cook County Department of Public Health at (708) 492-2035.

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 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 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 like tire casings, birdbaths, flower pots and barrels that may produce mosquitoes. Un-maintained swimming pools may produce thousands of mosquitoes. Call the District to report stagnant water areas that remain wet for more than 7 days. Additional mosquito avoidance/control practices may be found at the District’s website: www.nwmadil.com

Mike Szyska

Director

PLEASE FORWARD THIS INFORMATION TO APPROPRIATE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES.