NORTHWEST MOSQUITO
ABATEMENT DISTRICT
147 W. Hintz Rd.
Wheeling, IL. 60090
Phone: (847) 537-2306
Fax: (847) 537-2583
www.nwmadil.com
Mosquito Update
August 13, 2009
PRESENT CONTROL STATUS:
NUISANCE MOSQUITOES
Nuisance floodwater mosquitoes (Aedes vexans) are very low. At current temperatures and the continuing
dry spell (low soil saturation levels) it would likely take greater than 1 inch
of rain to produce more floodwater mosquitoes.
Crews are continuing to treat infested water areas for the developing mosquito larvae with methoprene pellets for extended control. Due to the ongoing dry conditions most water sources treated are now for Culex mosquito control.
CULEX MOSQUITOES
Culex mosquitoes are still
comparatively low compared to prior WNV years at this time of the season as
indicated by gravid traps. Warmer temperatures continue to slowly
increase numbers of this medically important container, stagnant water
mosquitoes.
Residents
of the District are still advised to inspect their properties for stagnant
water filled containers that may produce these types of mosquitoes. During dry
weather water producing areas for this mosquito include containers (i.e. pots,
stagnant swimming pools, , rain gutters, birdbaths,
tree holes, and any water that stands for greater than 7 days), 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. Catch basin
treatments are completed and a second treatment is in progress. Culex
pipiens larvae have been prevalent in ditches, culverts and other stagnant
water areas after rainfalls.
Crews have completed 1 pass
of adulticiding through the entire District and two to three times in focal
areas showing WNV activity. Night
spraying was performed on 7/2, 7/6, 7/7, 7/9, 7/13, 8/6, 8/11. Currently, if Culex mosquito abundance and West Nile virus activity increase
then, adulticiding activity will continue.
Mosquito batches testing positive for these viruses in the NWMAD territory will be posted at the following website address: http://www.nwmadil.com/VECTEST2009.htm . Currently NWMAD has tested 592 batches of mosquitoes for West Nile virus (WNV) and 14 were positive with WNV in NWMAD territory. Positive batches were detected in Rolling Meadows, Barrington, Hoffman Estates, Des Plaines, Glenview and Elk Grove Village.
Compared to prior WNV years mosquito infection rates are
low for this time of the year. Control
efforts, prolonged cooler temperatures and flushing rains contributed to
this. Typically, Culex mosquitoes and
WNV activity are suppressed during floodwater mosquito years. However, that has now changed and warmer
temperatures and dry conditions, if they persist, can quickly advance virus
infections in mosquito populations. The use of mosquito repellent and
mosquito avoidance is strongly advised at this time!
No human cases of WNV have been reported in the State of Illinois, as of yet, in 2009.
The Illinois Department of
Public Health has reported that 59 batches of mosquitoes tested positive for
West Nile virus (WNV) in Illinois; 29 from Cook County. 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.