NUISANCE MOSQUITO CONTROL

Floodwater mosquitoes are still in low numbers because of the dry conditions. The recent rain of just over 0.5 inch is not likely to change the over all numbers since the ground is so dry. New Jersey light traps continue to collect the flood water mosquito Aedes vexans averaging only in the single digits. Slightly higher numbers were detected in Hanover Township prompting additional larviciding inspections and treatments. Public complaints are still very low.

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 in our gravid traps. Elevated temperatures 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 (for common mosquito production areas around the home see: http://www.nwmadil.com/breeding sites1.htm).

Crews continue to treat 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. It is likely that Culex will increase due to the >0.5” rain. It is estimated that catch basin treatments will be completed by around the end of next week.

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) is not likely to 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.

MOSQUITO VIRUS SURVEILLANCE IN ILLINOIS

NWMAD has tested 95 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.

Two WNV infected mosquito batches have been detected with RT-PCR in the City of Evanston. Infected mosquitoes have also been found in DuPage and Johnson Counties.

DEAD BIRD SURVIELLANCE INFORMATION:

NWMAD has received 47 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.