Mosquitoes Test Positive For West Nile Virus in St. Charles; Citywide Spray Scheduled

After mosquitoes tested positive for West Nile Virus in St. Charles, the city has contracted with Clarke to conduct a citywide spray. The spray was expected to take place during the evening hours of July 31. Clarke, the mosquito abatement vendor for St. Charles, also will be spraying in surrounding communities, according to a news release from the city of St. Charles.

“Clarke has detected mosquitoes carrying the West Nile Virus in their traps here in St. Charles and surrounding communities,” said St. Charles Public Works Manager A.J. Reineking. “That, along with the volume collected in nuisance traps across the area, warrants a citywide spray. Clarke is coordinating the spray with our neighboring communities to maximize the effectiveness of our program in reducing the population of mosquitoes and lessening the potential for West Nile Virus to impact St. Charles.”

Residents can call Clarke at 1-800-942-2555 to register for notification of a spraying.

City Offers Tips For Mosquito Control

To prevent bites, use insect repellent, avoid being outdoors during dawn and dusk hours when mosquitoes are most active, and wear long sleeves.

Here are some tips on how you can reduce the mosquito population in your yard:

• Discard old tires, tin cans, buckets or any water-holding containers outside.
• Fill in or drain any low places in the yard.
• Cover trash containers to keep out rainwater.
• Repair leaky pipes and outside faucets.
• Empty plastic wading pools at least once each week and store indoors when not in use.
• Make sure your backyard pool is properly cared for—especially when on vacation.
• Change the water in birdbaths and planters frequently.
• Keep grass cut short and shrubbery well-trimmed around the house.

For more information, visit the city of St. Charles website at www.stcharlesil.gov or contact the city’s public works department at 630.377.4405.