The Des Plaines Valley Mosquito Abatement District is warning that although levels of West Nile Virus within the area’s mosquito population are still low, conditions are ideal for the increased production of the mosquito species involved in transmission.
The district covers a 77-square-mile area of the Des Plaines River and Salt Creek valley in the western suburbs, bounded by the Cook/DuPage county line on the west, North Avenue on the North, 87th Street/Des Plaines River on the south, and Harlem Avenue on the east except in Oak Park, where Austin Boulevard is the eastern boundary.
The district said its mosquito larval control operations are aggressively inspecting and treating potential breeding sources to minimize adult mosquito development.
Residents are encouraged to look for potential mosquito breeding sources around the home and take the following steps:
* Throw away all trash that can hold water, such as cans, jars and bottles
* Clean rain gutters/downspouts to prevent water from standing in gutters or on flat roofs
* Change water at least weekly in bird baths and wading pools
* Maintain swimming pools properly
* Remove or turn over containers, buckets, wheelbarrows and other items that may accumulate water
* 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 production
* Dispose of any used tires without rims to prevent water accumulation. Anything that can hold enough water can breed mosquitoes
The species of mosquito involved in West Nile Virus transmission is a passive mosquito and not an aggressive biter, with its presence often undetected, the district said.
It’s suggested when possible to avoid outdoor activities around dusk. When not possible, wearing shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt can be helpful Loose fitting, light colored clothing is best, the district said.
Appropriate use of insect repellents, per manufacturer’s instructions, is recommended to minimize mosquito bites. Window screens should be inspected and repaired if damaged to prevent mosquitoes from entering the home. In addition, any openings around window air conditioners, clothes dryer vents, etc. should be eliminated for the same reason.
The district actively monitors adult mosquito populations for the presence and level of West Nile Virus.
![The following items were taken from Park Ridge Police Department reports. An arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt. Criminal Damage to Property A witness observed three to four juveniles walking in the middle of the street carrying a shiny object on April 28 at approximately 2:30 a.m. on the 1200 block of North Western Avenue. When responding officers attempted to locate the juveniles, red graffiti was found on the exterior wall and ground in the bathroom of Woodland Park. Criminal Defacement of Property The North Park sign was tagged with red graffiti by an unknown offender. Police became […]](https://www.chicagotribune.com/wp-content/uploads/migration/2024/01/16/26UVUYYXTJGYFCR7KKAQ4CA57Q.jpg?w=535 "The following items were taken from Park Ridge Police Department reports. An arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt. Criminal Damage to Property A witness observed three to four juveniles walking in the middle of the street carrying a shiny object on April 28 at approximately 2:30 a.m. on the 1200 block of North Western Avenue. When responding officers attempted to locate the juveniles, red graffiti was found on the exterior wall and ground in the bathroom of Woodland Park. Criminal Defacement of Property The North Park sign was tagged with red graffiti by an unknown offender. Police became […]")
