NORTHWEST MOSQUITO ABATEMENT DISTRICT

147 W. Hintz Rd.

Wheeling, IL. 60090

Phone: (847) 537-2306

Fax: (847) 537-2583

www.nwmadil.com

 

Mosquito Update

June 29, 2009

 

PRESENT CONTROL STATUS:

 

NUISANCE MOSQUITOES

Nuisance floodwater mosquitoes (Aedes vexans) are starting to increase due to weekly rainfalls.  Multiple floodwater mosquito broods have progressively added to the problem despite control efforts.  Flooding throughout the District on 6/16, 6/18 & 6/19 will produce more floodwater mosquitoes compounding the problem by 4th of July holiday. 

 

Crews are continuing to treat infested flood water areas for the developing mosquito larvae with methoprene, MMFG or oil & Bti after each rainfall. Keeping up with all the standing water has been difficult.

 

CULEX  MOSQUITOES

Culex mosquitoes are comparatively low compared to prior WNV years (except 2008) normally typical this time of the season as indicated by gravid traps.  Residents of the District are still 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. 

 

Crews are currently treating stagnant ground surface water sources with methoprene pellets, MMFG, Bti & Bacillus sphericus. Catch basin treatments are now in progress.  Culex pipiens larvae have been prevalent in ditches culverts and other stagnant water areas after rainfalls and these are being treated at the same time as the nuisance mosquitoes after rainfalls.

 

DIRECTOR’S NOTE: typically when rainfall is excessive at weekly intervals, as was during the 2008 mosquito season, stagnant water Culex habitats (ditches, detention & retention ponds, culverts, container sources and underground storm water habitats (catch basins)) tend to flush out and help reduce Culex mosquito numbers.  In 2008 this led to a delay of West Nile virus activity of nearly one month.  Thus far, in 2009, we are seeing a shorter delay but still slower activity.  If temperatures climb and rainfall becomes less frequent WNV activity will increase quickly in the mosquito and bird populations. 

 

ADULTICIDING (NIGHT SPRAYING):

Crews will be beginning adulticiding operations weather permitting based on mosquito surveillance.  Operations will start along flood areas bordering the Des Plaines River and areas of the District that received excessive rainfall.  The last brood of floodwater mosquitoes is expected to be flying around the 4th of July holiday from significant rains that occurred on 6/19.  Floodwater mosquitoes may travel several miles in a single evening making them difficult targets to control.   

 

MOSQUITO VIRUS SURVEILLANCE IN ILLINOIS

Currently NWMAD has tested 212 batches of mosquitoes for West Nile virus (WNV).    Two batches of mosquitoes collected from Rolling Meadows (1) and Barrington (1) have tested positive for WNV. 

 

No human cases of WNV have been reported in the State of Illinois as of yet. 

 

The Illinois Department of Public Health has reported that 12 batches of mosquitoes tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) from the Cook (4 batches), Dupage (3), Adams (1), Madison (1), Knox (2) & St. Clair (1) counties thus far in 2009. 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 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

Check night time mosquito spraying schedules:  http://www.nwmadil.com/nitespry_map.html

 

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. Make sure rain barrels or other storm water runoff cisterns are fitted properly when installed, well screened, free of detritus or organic material and mosquito-proof.  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

 

 

PLEASE FORWARD THIS INFORMATION TO APPROPRIATE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES.