Contact:

Rosemary Mackey
(630) 293-2200 x139
rmackey@westchicago.org

 
City of West Chicago

475 Main Street
West Chicago, Illinois 60185

West Chicago Mosquito Abatement District to Attack
Record Mosquito Infestation
West Chicago, Illinois: August 10, 2010 - The West Chicago Mosquito Abatement District (WCMAD) has announced that the fourth adult mosquito control applications will take place Thursday, August 12, between dusk and dawn, weather permitting.

Excessive rain and flooding has resulted in significant numbers of floodwater mosquitoes emerging. With heavy rainfall throughout the area, mosquito eggs will find the necessary water to hatch, and large broods of nuisance mosquitoes will be continuously emerging. As floodwater mosquitoes are poor carriers of West Nile Virus, they do not pose significant health risks to residents, though they can significantly affect quality of life by their sheer volume. However, standing water from saturated areas are excellent breeding grounds for Culex mosquitoes – prime carriers of West Nile Virus. "And with more expected rainfall, the number of mosquitoes that are hatching are going to be huge," said Clark Wood, control consultant for Clarke. "This situation requires adulticide applications to break the breeding cycle of the mosquitoes."

District-wide applications include truck spraying of streets park areas. Additional District-wide treatments will be performed as needed. All products used have been approved specifically for this purpose and are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). However, if people wish to avoid potential exposure to insecticide they should stay indoors and close the windows during spraying hours.

WCMAD residents, including the City of West Chicago and Village of Winfield, can call the Clarke Mosquito Hotline to report standing water and get advice on reducing the risk for West Nile. The hotline is available at (800) 942-2555.

In addition to community control initiatives, residents can take these additional steps to reduce mosquito populations around their homes this summer, including:
  • Remove or empty water in old tires, tin cans, buckets, drums, bottles or other places where mosquitoes might breed.
  • Empty plastic wading pools at least once a week and store indoors when not in use. If unused, drain swimming pools and keep dry.
  • Change water weekly in bird baths, plant saucers and trays.
  • Water bowls used by pets should be emptied and refilled daily.
  • Fill holes around home that may retain water.
  • Keep gutters around home in good repair to avoid water build-up.
  • Keep weeds and grass cut short, as adult mosquitoes look for shady places to rest during hot daylight hours.
  • Be sure screens in homes are intact and tight-fitting to prevent entry of insects.
  • Use insect repellant and wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when going outdoors.

 

 

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West Chicago is a diverse, family-oriented community with a rich cultural mix and a proud heritage. It is the first Illinois community established by the railroads and continues to be a convenient transportation hub served by three major rail lines, Illinois' third-busiest airport and three state highways. West Chicago offers award-winning schools, a growing industrial park and convenient access to parks, shopping and restaurants. Additional information can be found on the City's website at www.westchicago.org or by calling Rosemary Mackey directly at (630) 293-2200 x 139.
 
 
CITY OF WEST CHICAGO   475 Main Street, West Chicago, Illinois 60185   T - (630) 293-2200   www.westchicago.org