West Chicago’s Fight Against Mosquitoes: A Community Effort for Health and Safety
West Chicago, IL – City Council Member Becky Stout recently embarked on an aerial tour of the West Chicago Mosquito Abatement District (WCMAD) to gain a comprehensive view of the district’s key problem areas. This helicopter tour, organized by Clarke, the district’s contracted mosquito control company, highlighted potential zones requiring enhanced abatement efforts. “The tour allowed us to see firsthand the problem areas that could be considered for future inclusion in the abatement efforts,” Stout commented.
Later in the week, the remaining members of the WCMAD Board also participated in aerial tours to further their understanding of the district’s needs and challenges. The collective goal is to ensure that West Chicago continues to benefit from effective mosquito control strategies that prioritize public health.
The WCMAD, covering 27 square miles, has been dedicated to controlling mosquito populations for over 60 years, operating under the Illinois Mosquito Abatement District Act. The district’s mission is to reduce the nuisance of mosquitoes while minimizing the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases, such as West Nile Virus (WNV). With an emphasis on both floodwater mosquitoes (Aedes vexans) and northern house mosquitoes (Culex pipiens), the district has developed a robust program aimed at controlling these species.
Clarke’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Approach
Through their partnership with Clarke, WCMAD employs an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy. This approach includes mosquito population surveillance, larval site monitoring, and the judicious use of biological controls, like Bacillus bacteria byproducts, as well as EPA-registered pesticides. The IPM approach emphasizes larval control, with adult mosquito spraying performed only when necessary. This ensures the most environmentally friendly method of mosquito control while maintaining the health and safety of residents.
How Residents Can Help
Residents are encouraged to participate in mosquito control efforts by following several important steps:
- Wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothing and use mosquito repellents with DEET when outdoors during peak mosquito hours.
- Report neglected swimming pools or other potential breeding grounds to Clarke via the Mosquito Hotline at 1-800-942-2555, email wcmad@clarke.com, or through the Clarke Portal at www.clarkeportal.com.
- Eliminate standing water from containers, birdbaths, and gutters to reduce breeding sites.
- Keep grass trimmed and shrubbery well-maintained to minimize mosquito hiding spots.
- Report dead birds (which may be early indicators of WNV) to the DuPage County Health Department at 630-682-7400.
Working Together for a Healthier Community
Becky Stout’s participation in the aerial tour, followed by similar tours for other WCMAD Board members, demonstrates the district’s commitment to thorough mosquito control and public health. “It’s important to see the full scope of the work being done,” Stout added. “This experience helps us make informed decisions for the future of the abatement district.”
West Chicago’s partnership with Clarke continues to play a vital role in these efforts, ensuring that both public and private properties are monitored and treated as needed. Clarke’s role extends to educating the community on how they can protect themselves and contribute to the district’s mosquito control efforts.
For the latest updates on mosquito control, including notifications of spray schedules or excessive mosquito conditions, residents can contact Clarke via the Mosquito Hotline at 1-800-942-2555, email wcmad@clarke.com, or visit their website at www.clarke.com.
Together, West Chicago and Clarke are dedicated to protecting the health and comfort of the community while ensuring that mosquito populations remain under control. For more information on West Nile Virus, visit the Illinois Department of Health or the DuPage County Health Department websites.
