July 14, 2017

Mosquito Update

The Village of Hinsdale has been notified by the DuPage County Health Department, that mosquitos collected in one of the DuPage County’s traps have tested positive for the West Nile Virus. The trap is located at the 244 Walnut Street. As part of the Village’s service contract, Clarke Environmental Mosquito Management Inc., conducts inspections of any new and existing breeding sites in the area and performing larval control treatments accordingly. Services include the treatment of catch basins, inlets and manholes using an extended residual slow release insecticide for late season control.

There is a provision in the Village’s service contract for adult control spraying.  However, spraying for adult mosquitos is the least effective control method, because it provides only temporary, localized benefits. Treating catch basins with a larvicide is the best defense in managing the West Nile Virus. Therefore, the Village intends to follow this best practice and continue with its program of controlled treatments of Village catch basins.

To reduce the risk of West Nile Virus further, residents should make certain to take proper precautionary measures to avoid contact with mosquitos. These measures include wearing long sleeves and pants, limiting time spent outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, and wearing insect repellent containing DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Residents also are urged to eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites by cleaning roof gutters, storing outdoor containers upside down and emptying birdbaths every few days.

Residents with any additional concerns are encouraged to contact the Clarke Mosquito Hotline for citizen response at (800) 942-2555. Residents may also contact the DuPage County Health Department at 630-682-7400.