They're Here For Their Annual Visit

Mosquitoes!

Samples of these pests recently taken from traps in Crystal Lake have tested positive for West Nile Virus.

In response to this unhappy news, the City of Crystal Lake is implementing additional mosquito control efforts. A city-wide adulticide application will take place overnight between Thursday, August 30 and Friday, August 31. If weather conditions do not allow the application to occur as scheduled, the application will take place on the next available evening.

The application is in addition to the City’s existing mosquito control program and will better control the mosquito population, decreasing the potential for spreading West Nile Virus to humans.

West Nile Virus emerged in the United States in the New York metropolitan area in the fall of 1999. Since then, the virus, which can be transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito, has quickly spread across the country.

The Illinois Department of Public Health recommends the following steps people can take to help reduce the risk of contracting any mosquito-borne disease.

• Apply insect repellent that includes DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus according to label instructions. Consult a physician before using repellents on infants.
• Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active, especially between dusk and dawn.
• When outdoor, wear shoes and socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirt.
• Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or other openings. Try to keep door and windows shut, especially at night.
• Eliminate all sources of standing water that can support mosquito breeding, including water in bird baths, ponds, flowerpots, wading pools, old tires and any other receptacles.

Questions regarding the application of any other part of Crystal Lake Lake’s Mosquito Abatement Program can be directed to Clarke Environmental Mosquito Management Hotline at 1-900-942-2555.

Additional information regarding the West Nile Virus, adulticiding and repellents is available at the Centers for Disease Control and prevention web site at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/ or the Illinois Department of Public Health at

http://www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/wnv.htm