Village of Oak Park issued the following announcement on Aug. 22.
With traps capturing what abatement officials characterize as extremely high levels of adult mosquitoes carrying the West Nile Virus, spraying is likely to become a regular occurrence in Oak Park until the threat diminishes.
Desplaines Valley Mosquito Abatement District trucks are scheduled to be back on Oak Park streets from about 9 p.m. to midnight on Thurs., Aug. 23, the third time this season crews have sprayed here for adult mosquitoes.
A calm, rainless evening with temperatures no more than 85 degrees is preferred. If weather conditions are not favorable, spraying likely will be rescheduled for a subsequent night, perhaps as early as the following Monday.
The Abatement District lists all areas to be sprayed on a particular evening on its website at www.desplainesvalleymad.com and with a recorded message available after 3:30 p.m. at 708.447.1765 at least a day before spraying is to occur.
Questions regarding spraying, including options for those medically sensitive to the insecticide, should be directed to 708.447.1765.
“The species of mosquito involved in WNV (West Nile Virus) transmission is a passive mosquito and not an aggressive biter with its presence often going undetected,” the Desplaines Valley Mosquito Abatement District said in a news release sent to communities within its 77-square-mile jurisdiction. “People assume that if mosquitoes are not biting then precautionary measures are not necessary.”
But the virus-carrying mosquitoes likely are biting, officials warn. Four human cases have been confirmed so far this season in Illinois, including one case in Cook County.
Residents are urged to avoid exposure to mosquitoes by repairing damaged window screens and sealing any openings around window air conditioners, dryer vents and other gaps where the small insects can get inside.
Individuals also are urged to avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are the most active. And if you have to be out, they recommend wearing shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Loose fitting, light colored clothing is best, they say, and insect repellants that contains DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol should be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Spraying for adult mosquitoes is considered a final option to control disease transmission. Mosquito Abatement District workers focus primarily on population control, including treating street catch basins to kill larvae every seven to 10 days during the mosquito-breeding season. The abatement district also will treat catch basins on private property by request and pick up old vehicle tires. Call 708.447.1765 or visit www.desplainesvalleymad.com for more information.
Property owners are asked to do their part by eliminating potential mosquito breeding sites. Recommended steps include the following:
- Throw away all trash that can hold water such as cans, jars and bottles
- Clean gutters and downspouts to prevent standing water
- Change water in bird baths and wading pools at least once a week
- Remove or turn over containers, buckets and wheel barrows where water may accumulate
- Screen rain barrels to prevent adult mosquitoes from depositing eggs on the water's surface
- Aerate ornamental ponds and stock with goldfish or other surface-feeding fish to control mosquito larvae
- Dispose of used tires without rims to prevent water accumulation. Call 708.447.1765 or visit www.desplainesvalleymad.com for disposal help.
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up