32.4 F
Naperville
Friday, March 29, 2024

Take precautions to reduce the mosquito population

-

Mosquito traps in several areas throughout the City of Naperville have tested positive for West Nile Virus

The City of Naperville reminds residents to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites and help reduce the number of potential mosquito breeding sites around their home. Residents are encouraged to remove areas of standing water from their property, as it can act as a breeding ground for this insect.

Mosquito traps in several areas throughout the City tested positive for West Nile Virus over the past two weeks. Since that time, City crews have sprayed those areas twice as a precaution using the safest chemicals available in very low volumes. Department of Public Works crews have also checked the areas for breeding sites and retreated catch basins.

West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne virus that is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. Most people who are infected with the West Nile Virus have no symptoms or experience very mild symptoms three to 14 days after the bite of an infected mosquito. Mild symptoms include a fever, headache and body aches, occasionally with a skin rash on the trunk of the body and swollen lymph glands.

Less than 1 percent of infected people with West Nile Virus will develop severe symptoms. These symptoms include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis. Persons older than 50 years of age and immunocompromised persons (e.g. transplant patients) have the highest risk of severe disease.

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. Precautions include:

  • Whenever outdoors between dusk and dawn, wear shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Loose fitting, light colored clothing is best. Consider staying indoors at dusk and dawn, which is peak mosquito biting time.
  • Apply insect repellant to exposed skin when outdoors. The most effective repellents contain DEET. Use caution when applying repellant to children. Products containing 10 percent or less DEET are the most appropriate for children from 2 to 12 years of age. Use repellents as directed by the manufacturer.
  • Install tight-fitting window and door screens. Check for and repair any tears in residential screens, including porches and patios. Try to keep doors and windows shut, especially at night.
  • Reduce or eliminate the amount of standing water around your home. Remove old tires, tin cans, flower pots and buckets and change the water in birdbaths at least once a week. Any container holding water for more than four days can become a breeding ground for thousands of mosquitoes.
  • Keep gutters clear of debris.
  • Keep grass cut short and shrubbery well trimmed around your home.
  • Eliminate yard ruts and puddles.
  • Aerate ornamental ponds or stock with larvae eating fish.
  • Use Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti), available in hardware stores, in any standing water around your home.

For more information on the City of Naperville’s Mosquito Abatement Program, visit www.naperville.il.us/mosquitocontrol.aspx.

Stay Connected!

Get the latest local headlines delivered to your inbox each morning.
SUBSCRIBE
- Advertisement -
City of Naperville
City of Napervillehttp://www.naperville.il.us.
About Naperville: Located 28 miles west of Chicago, Naperville, Ill., is home to approximately 145,000 people. This vibrant, thriving City consistently ranks as a top community in the nation in which to live, raise children and retire. The City is home to acclaimed public and parochial schools, the best public library system in the country, an array of healthcare options and an exceptionally low crime rate. Naperville has ready access to a variety of public transportation, housing and employment options. The City’s diversified employer base features high technology firms, retailers and factories, as well as small and home-based businesses. Residents also enjoy world-class parks, diverse worship options, the opportunity to serve on several City boards and commissions, a thriving downtown shopping and dining area, a renowned outdoor history museum known as Naper Settlement and an active civic community. For more information, please visit our website at www.naperville.il.us.

LATEST NEWS

DON’T MISS OUT!
GET THE DAILY
SQUARE-SCOOP
The latest local headlines delivered
to your inbox each morning.
SUBSCRIBE
Give it a try, you can unsubscribe anytime.
close-link

Stay Connected!

Get the latest local headlines delivered to your inbox each morning.
SUBSCRIBE
close-link