Evening citywide mosquito spray scheduled for July 31

Clarke, the mosquito abatement vendor for the City of St. Charles, will conduct a citywide spray in the evening hours of July 31, weather permitting. Clarke also will be spraying in surrounding communities.

"Clarke has detected mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus in their traps here in St. Charles and surrounding communities," said Public Works Manager A.J. Reineking. "That, along with the volume collected in nuisance traps across the area, warrants a citywide spray. Clarke is coordinating the spray with our neighboring communities to maximize the effectiveness of our program in reducing the population of mosquitoes and lessening the potential for West Nile virus to impact St. Charles."

Call Clarke at (800) 942-2555 to register for notification of a spraying.

To prevent bites, use insect repellent, avoid being outdoors during dawn and dusk hours when mosquitoes are most active, and wear long sleeves.

What you can do to reduce mosquito population in your yard:

1. Discard old tires, tin cans, buckets or any water-holding containers outside.

2. Fill in or drain any low places in the yard.

3. Cover trash containers to keep out rainwater.

4. Repair leaky pipes and outside faucets.

5. Empty plastic wading pools at least once each week and store indoors when not in use.

6. Make sure your backyard pool is properly cared for - especially when on vacation.

7. Change the water in birdbaths and planters frequently.

8. Keep grass cut short and shrubbery well-trimmed around the house.

For more information, visit the City of St. Charles website www.stcharlesil.gov or contact the City's Public Works Department at (630) 377-4405.