Prepare for unwanted guests this holiday - new influx of mosquitoes

As you prepare for a holiday weekend of fireworks, festivals and outdoor barbecues, you may be surprised to learn that the mosquito population actually declined last week.

But that's small consolation when you note that the pest's so-called "nuisance level" was still two to three times the accepted rate for the suburbs - and as much as 26 times the accepted rates in some areas.

George Balis, of Roselle-based Clarke Mosquito Control, said high winds and rains last weekend probably provided something of a reprieve, but moderate temperatures this week could bring a resurgence.

"We probably peaked last (week), but we're still at a high level," said Michael Szyska, executive director of the Northwest Mosquito Abatement District in Wheeling.

The temperate weather early this week foreshadows another re-emergence, this time for another variety of mosquito that is more than just a pest.

Thus far, the majority of mosquitoes in the area have been inland floodwater mosquitoes, which rarely carry viruses such as the West Nile virus. However, July is typically the period when hotter, drier weather brings out the more dangerous culex pipiens, sometimes called the "gentle biters."

Sometimes going undetected, the culex mosquitoes can carry West Nile disease. Mosquitoes in DuPage and Cook counties already have been found to be carrying West Nile disease this year. But no people have yet reported contracting the virus this year in the Chicago area.

Although the infestation of mosquitoes is high, Balis said, it still isn't as large as August of last year, which he estimates may have been the worst in the last decade.

And, while this fall's heavy rains and flooding have certainly contributed, the experts said Last year's summer rains are likely to blame for the recent "massive brood" of mosquitoes.

"The floods of 2007 played a dramatic roll in the mosquito population of 2008," said Balis, whose mosquito abatement firm covers many of the collar suburbs in the western and northern suburbs. He added that mosquito eggs are viable for years before hatching.

Illinois Department of Health spokeswoman Melaney Arnold said one of the best measures you can take to reduce mosquitoes near your home is to monitor areas with stagnant water, such as bird baths, flower pots, wading pools or ponds.

"The key is getting rid of the standing water," Arnold said. "And make sure there are no holes in your screens or mosquito netting."

Here's how experts recommend avoiding the bugs and treating their bites:

• Wear insect repellent containing deet, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus and apply it frequently.

• Drain standing water from backyard bird baths, discard old tires and other containers that trap water, and frequently replace water in kiddie pools.

• Avoid going outside from dusk to dawn, peak activity times for some mosquitoes.

• Avoid dark clothes, which can absorb heat and make you more visible; choose neutral colors that blend in with the environment.

• Avoid perfumes and sweet-smelling lotions and cosmetics, including lavender scents, which attract mosquitoes.

• Perspiration is a lure, so wash after exercising or sweating heavily.

• Antihistamine tablets taken throughout mosquito season or after being bitten can help reduce bumps and itchiness.

• Hydrocortisone creams and other over-the-counter anti-itch treatments sometimes help reduce discomfort.