Recent heavy rains combined with warm temperatures are resulting in a major brood of the Aedes vexans floodwater mosquito just in time for the Fourth of July holiday. This mosquito is not involved in disease transmission; however, it is an extremely aggressive biter active day and night. This species is migratory by nature, with a flight range of well over 10 miles. Although District larval control operations have addressed mosquito production in our area, residents can expect a noticeable increase in adult mosquito annoyance within the next week due to adult mosquito migration.
While nuisance mosquitoes will be the predominant species present, residents are cautioned that the mosquito species involved in West Nile Virus (WNV) transmission is also present in our area. This species is not an aggressive biter and has a limited flight range; however, it must not be forgotten. Above normal positive adult mosquito samples for WNV have been found within the District this season. Although this is not unusual for this time of year, it does indicate that WNV is increasing, and residents need to take precautionary measures.
Residents are encouraged to use a common-sense approach to avoid mosquito bites and mosquito-borne diseases. Here are a few tips:
- Inspect and repair window screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering the home.
- Eliminate any openings around window air conditioners, clothes dryer vents, etc.
- Avoid outdoor activities around dusk. If necessary, wear shoes, socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt. Loose-fitting, light-colored clothing is best.
- Consider using insect repellents, such as DEET or Picaridin, per manufacturer’s instructions.
Residents should also look for potential mosquito breeding sources around their homes and take the following steps:
- Throw away all trash that can hold water, such as cans, jars, and bottles.
- Clean rain gutters and downspouts to prevent water from standing in gutters or on flat roofs.
- Change water in bird baths, wading pools, etc. at least once a week.
- Maintain swimming pools properly. Contact us to report unmaintained pools.
- Remove or turn over containers, buckets, and wheelbarrows that may accumulate water.
- Screen rain barrels to prevent adult mosquitoes from depositing eggs on the water's surface.
- Aerate ornamental ponds and stock with surface-feeding fish to control mosquito production.
- Dispose of any used, rimless tires to prevent water accumulation. The District will accept up to 4 tires from residents for disposal—please contact us for further details.
Lastly, this season has produced an extremely large tick population as well. Over 15 species of ticks can be found in Illinois, with the most common being the American dog tick and Black Legged deer tick. Late spring and early summer is also the peak time for nymph deer ticks—the primary vector of Lyme disease. These ticks can be found in leaf litter and low-growing plants in shady, wooded areas. Nymph ticks are extremely small (about the size of a poppy seed), which often leads them to go unnoticed. The same recommended repellents used against mosquitoes will be effective at preventing tick bites, though they should be applied to the lower legs.
For additional information, please visit the District’s website at www.dvmad.org.
