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Welcome to the Northwest Mosquito Abatement District

NWMAD field technician distributing mosquito larva pesticide in a forest.

Northwest Mosquito Abatement District (NWMAD) is a governmental special district formed in April of 1956 by election in nine townships in Northwest Suburbs of Cook County. The land area covered by the District is approximately two hundred forty-two (242) square miles. Northwest Mosquito Abatement District is tasked with protecting public health by conducting surveillance and control of mosquitoes in the northwest suburbs of Cook County, Illinois.

Protect yourself from West Nile Virus and Zika

Use the chart to assess the risk level of contracting West Nile virus or Zika from mosquitos. It is important to protect yourself from virus carrying mosquitos, read below for ways to protect yourself. 

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Wheeling Project

Construction hard hats in yellow cages.
Northwest Mosquito Abatement District Logo

UNDER 
CONSTRUCTION

Northwest Mosquito Abatement District is undergoing a lab, office and fleet maintenance building modernization. To learn more about the project and progress updates, visit the Wheeling project page below. 

Ways to protect yourself from Mosquito Bites

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  • Avoid being outdoors around dusk and dawn, this is when mosquitoes are most active.

  • Wear Long sleeves and pants when outdoors.

  • Use insect repellent containing 20% DEET, Picaridin or Oil of Lemon eucalyptus. Make sure you apply as directed on product label.

  • Inspect your yard for containers that are holding water, dump them out if they can hold water up to 5 days or more.

  • Set up a box or oscillating fan on your patio, set it to create a 7-10 mph wind.  Mosquitoes can not fly in higher winds.

  • Make sure you have screens on all windows and doors.

  • Avoid being in heavily shaded or wooded areas.

  • Nothing can prevent all mosquito bites, but taking these steps can greatly reduce the number of bites.

  • Remember, Mosquito populations fluctuate during the summer months.  On average, mosquitoes live 14-20 days

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Additional helpful information about mosquitos, ticks and preventative methods

to keep yourself safe from disease carrying insects can be found on the Fight the Bite page.

Kids' Corner

Are you a parent or educator looking for kid-friendly mosquito information? Visit the Kids' Corner for videos, activities and fast reads for kids and students!

Connecting with the Community

The Northwest Mosquito Abatement District team enjoys connecting with members of our community. Check out the pictures from our booth at the Schaumburg Farmers Market during the 2024 season. The District looks forward to connecting with the community and answering your questions about the science of mosquito abatement!

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