Mosquito Control Underway in Ela Township
Ela Township's integrated approach to mosquito control is designed to reduce the population of both nuisance mosquitoes and mosquitoes that are potential carriers of diseases such as West Nile virus. In turn, this program helps foster a healthy and comfortable atmosphere for residents.
West Nile virus, an arbovirus spread through the bite of a mosquito, has infected thousands across the U.S. since its introduction in 1999.
The township's program mirrors the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recommended response levels for the prevention and control of WNV. The objective of these programs is to control nuisance mosquitoes and vector mosquitoes that can transmit pathogenics.
The township's mosquito control program began in May with the first of nine inspections of 100 identified potential breeding areas. Targeted sites, those with a history of breeding, are marked for intensive inspections and are inspected more often. These inspections and the treatment of sites found breeding mosquitoes will continue through September.
In a typical summer, over 200 total acres, or an area the size of 200 football fields, will be treated by backpack and helicopter within the township helping to reduce nuisance mosquito populations and prevent the spread of West Nile virus. Within this area, 20 acres are strictly targeted monthly for helicopter larvicide applications due to their inaccessibility by ground and their prolific ability to breed mosquitoes.
Additionally, the street side catch basins and inlets are treated in June with extended release tablets by staff under the direction of the Township Highway Department to help reduce Culex mosquito breeding and the risk of West Nile virus in the underground water system.
The township's adult mosquito surveillance trap allows Clarke to determine the density and distribution of mosquito species, three times per week over an 18-week period.
Helicopter applications began May 18. Remaining applications are scheduled for July 10 and Aug. 7. Inspections and ground-based larval control began May 16 and will also be conducted on June 12, June 26, July 10, July 24, August 7, Aug. 21 and Sept. 4. All inspections and applications are weather permitting.
The best way to prevent West Nile disease or any other mosquito-borne illness is to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home and to take personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Health officials recommend that people take the following steps to help reduce the risk of contracting any mosquito-borne disease:
• Apply insect repellent that includes DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 according to label instructions when mosquitoes are active. Consult a physician before using repellents on infants.
• Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active, especially between dusk and dawn.
• When outdoors, wear shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt.
• Make sure doors and windows have tight fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or other openings. Try to keep doors and windows shut.
• Eliminate all sources of standing water that can support mosquito breeding, including water in bird baths, ponds, flowerpots, wading pools, old tires and any other receptacles.
For the latest information on West Nile virus or Zika in Illinois, consult the Illinois Department of Health website at www.idph.state.il.us. For questions about your community's mosquito program or to report standing water, contact Clarke at the Mosquito Hotline, at (800) 942-2555.
Learn more about Ela Township services and programs at elatownship.org.