West Chicago Mosquito Control Mid-season Update

Clarke, the contractor for mosquito control for the West Chicago Mosquito Abatement District (WCMAD), continues its ongoing monitoring and treatment program to preserve the health and quality of life for residents. The City of West Chicago and Village of Winfield are within the WCMAD boundary.

West Nile Virus

This week, the Kane County Health Department detected the presence of West Nile Virus in a mosquito pool trapped near Elburn. Positive batches have also been identified in Cook and DuPage Counties, which is normal for the time of year. West Nile Virus is endemic in the area and historically, positive mosquito pools are first detected in early July.

Treatments

West Chicago and Winfield are currently scheduled for adult control next Wednesday (7/15), weather permitting. However, there is again rain in the forecast, which can affect the schedule.

Floodwater Mosquitoes

Heavy rainfall provides the standing water necessary for floodwater mosquito broods to hatch. A chart demonstrating the heavy rains in the area and the predicted floodwater mosquito hatch-offs can be found on the City of West Chicago's website at www.westchicago.org.

While floodwater mosquitos are aggressive biters, they are not good transmitters of West Nile Virus.

As always, it is strongly recommended that residents do everything possible to clear their property of standing water to reduce breeding sites for mosquitoes. In addition, residents should continue to use personal mosquito repellents whenever they are outdoors.