Bolingbrook Mosquito Control Efforts Still in Effect

Cooler weather has tempered problematic mosquitoes in the Bolingbrook community, but it does not mean West Nile Virus is on the back-burner.

Heavy rains and high temperatures in early August have provided mosquitos with the proper environment for a West Nile Virus-carrying breed to hatch. However, as the calendar turned from August to September, a drop in temperature has eased some concerns.

"Now that the weather has changed, the mosquitoes have become less of a problem," said Bolingbrook Director of Public Works Michael J. Drey. "Once we get some frost in the area, that could kill the remainder."

Linn Haramis, manager of the Illinois Department of Public Health's Vector Control Program confirmed, adding, "We typically signal the end of the West Nile Virus season with the first couple of hard frosts."

West Nile Virus was first identified in September 2001 when tests done on a pair of crows in the Chicagoland area revealed the presence of the virus, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. The department has also detected the virus in birds or mosquitoes in 25 Illinois counties this year and has found an increase in the virus according to a study of mosquito samples from Cook County according to the Illinois Natural History Survey.

The Village of Bolingbrook has been working with Clarke, an environmental product and service company in an attempt to combat the summer pests. And to this point, Bolingbrook has been void of any West Nile victims.

The official Bolingbrook website has a list of nine things residents can do on an individual level to battle mosquitos, while protecting themselves, their families and their property.

"I think we're on top of the situation," Drey said.

Bolingbrook's Nine-Step List:

• Remove or empty water in old tires, tin cans, buckets, drums, bottles or other places where mosquitoes might breed.
• Empty plastic wading pools at least once a week and store indoors when not in use. If unused, drain swimming pools and keep dry.
• Change water weekly in bird baths, plant saucers and trays.
• Water bowls used by pets should be emptied and refilled daily.
• Fill holes around home that may retain water.
• Keep gutters around home in good repair to avoid water build-up.
• Keep weeds and grass cut short, as adult mosquitoes look for shady places to rest during hot daylight hours.
• Be sure screens in homes are intact and tight-fitting to prevent entry of insects.
• Use insect repellant and wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when going outdoors.