- Home
- Residents
- Resident Services
- Mosquito Abatement
Mosquito Abatement
Mosquitos are an all too familiar nuisance. They can transmit several illnesses such as St. Louis Encephalitis, Malaria, Yellow Fever, Zika, and West Nile Virus. West Nile Virus is of particular significance as it is more prominent to our area. mosquito
The Village of New Lenox Public Works Department is working to reduce area mosquito populations and nuisance health hazards associated with mosquitoes. Crews from the Village apply larvicide to storm sewer catch basins and spray in an attempt to reduce the adult mosquito level. Operators and applicators employed by the Village are certified by the State of Illinois Department of Agriculture for mosquito abatement.
Residents of the community who desire to be notified prior to spraying because they suffer from allergies, respiratory problems, or have other concerns are encouraged to call (815) 215-4800 weekdays between 7:00am and 3:30pm.
Spraying adulticide is occasionally needed in the Village and township. Breeding sites can range from ponds to clogged gutters to small to open containers left outside to a tree-hole. Also, mosquitos will fly up to seven miles in search of food and can also be blown into town by high winds.
The product used for mosquito fogging (Anvil 2+2) contains pyrethrins which are naturally found in chrysanthemum flowers. This product, which has been registered for use by the EPA since 1975, has under gone rigorous testing for its effects on people and non-target species; after over 40-years of testing, this product is still one of the few approved for broad use of outdoor residential and recreational areas. It quickly biodegrades in sunlight and once contacted by soil and it does not accumulate in the body. The fog is only 2% active ingredient and is applied at rate of about two ounces per acre (0.04 ounces per acre for active ingredient).
West Nile Virus (WNV) and Zika Virus are mosquito-borne viruses that can result in illness, cause birth defects and sometimes death. The virus can infect humans, birds and other mammals. WNV and Zika are transmitted through a mosquito’s bite.
Individuals over the age of 50 have an elevated risk of contracting the WNV, however, anyone living in an area where the virus has been detected is at risk. Your best bet for preventing West Nile virus (along with other mosquito-borne illnesses) is to avoid exposure to mosquitoes and eliminate mosquito-breeding sites.
To reduce your own exposure to mosquitoes, here is a helpful checklist:
- Eliminate standing water in your yard. Mosquitoes breed in pools of standing water.
- Unclog roof gutters.
- Empty unused swimming pools.
- Change water in birdbaths and plant pot drip trays at least weekly.
- Remove old tires or any unused containers that might hold water and serve as a breeding place for Mosquitos
- Cover trash containers to keep out rain water.
- Empty plastic wading pools at least once a week and try to store them indoors when not in use.
- Make sure your backyard pool is properly cared for while you’re on vacation.
- Keep grass cut short and shrubbery well-trimmed around your house. This eliminates hiding places for adult mosquitos.
- Watch for sick or dying birds and report them to the Will County Health Department 815-727-8480.
- Avoid unnecessary outdoor activity when mosquitoes are most prevalent, such as at dawn, dusk and early evening.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when you go into mosquito-infested areas.
For more information on these and other mosquito-borne illnesses please go to the following websites:
https://willcountyhealth.org/west-nile-mosquito-mitigation/
http://www.cdc.gov/zika/