Mosquito Abatement/West NileVirus/Zika Virus

The most effective way to reduce the number of mosquitoes around homes and neighborhoods is to find and eliminate their breeding sites - standing water. Adults of some mosquito species remain near their breeding site. Others can travel long distances, even up to several miles. Because of this, problem mosquitoes may come from breeding sites some distance away. In order to reduce a mosquito population, the available habitats must be removed. There are effective steps that individuals can take to minimize mosquito breeding on their property.

1. Dispose of old tires, buckets aluminum cans, plastic sheeting or other refuse that can hold water. Empty accumulated water from trash cans, boats, wheelbarrows, pet dishes, and flower pot bottoms. If possible, turn these items overwhen they are not in use.
2. Clean debris from rain gutters and unclog obstructed downspouts. Clogged rain gutters are one of the most overlooked breeding sites for mosquitoes around homes. Remove any standing water on flat roofs or around structures. Repair leaking faucets and air conditioners that produce puddles for several days.
3. Change water in bird baths and wading pools at least once a week and keep swimming pools cleaned and chlorinated. Ornamental pools can be aerated or stocked with mosquito-eating fish. Aeration / water movement helps because mosquitoes prefer quiet, non-flowing water for egg-laying and development.
4. Fill or drain ditches and swampy areas, and other soil depressions and remove, drain, or fill tree holes and stumps with mortar or sealant to prevent accumulation of water. Eliminate standing water and seepage around animal water troughs, cisterns, and septic tanks. Be sure that cistern screens are intact and that access covers fit tightly.
5. Irrigate lawns and gardens carefully to prevent water from standing for several days.

Zika Virus FAQ's:
The Zika virus is spread by Aedes aegypti, which is found in tropical regions and coastal areas, but are present in many cities across the U.S.  (CDC Map).
The Zika virus in NOT currently being transmitted by mosquitoes in the Manteno region.
Zika mosquitoes generally travel only about 1/8 of a mile from where they are born.
Mosquitoes that can carry Zika prefer to live near and bite only people.
Birds are not known to be a factor in the Zika transmission cycle.
The mosquitoes that can carry Zika are nicknamed "container breeders" because they lay eggs in very small amounts of water . . as little as a bottle cap of water.
Zika mosquitoes are not like West Nile mosquitoes - Zika mosquitoes are most active during daytime hours. 

What is the Village’s part?
Use of a mosquito larvicide is the most beneficial step when it is impractical to eliminate a breeding site. The Village has an aggressive larvicide program that begins in May and ends in October. These doughnuts are placed in each catch basin in the storm system that is capable of holding or storing water for any extended periods of time. Other areas such as ponds, stagnant pools on undeveloped lots, ditches and spill ways are also treated by the Village. Each doughnut last up to 30 days to prevent the larva from maturing into pupae. It is lethal only to mosquito larvae and some aquatic gnats and black flies. Bti toxin is not harmful to fish, waterfowl, pets or humans when used according to label directions (USEPA, Pesticides, Mosquito Control, 2009).