Naperville, IL – The City of Naperville announced Thursday, May 21, that its annual mosquito control program is officially underway as warmer weather and mosquito season return across northern Illinois.
According to city officials, crews will inspect and remove standing water where possible while treating ponds, marsh areas, and catch basins throughout Naperville to target mosquitoes during their larval stage. The city said mosquito traps will also be monitored weekly throughout the summer to track mosquito activity and test for West Nile Virus.
Officials stated that adult mosquito spraying could be used later in the season if mosquito populations rise significantly or if testing indicates an elevated risk of disease transmission. The city said only low-volume applications using approved chemicals would be used when necessary.
West Nile Virus is spread by infected mosquitoes that have fed on infected birds. Most infected individuals experience no symptoms or only mild illness, according to the city. Symptoms can include fever, headaches, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, and occasional skin rashes. Officials noted that people over age 50 face a higher risk of severe complications.
The city is encouraging residents to help reduce mosquito populations around their homes by eliminating stagnant water in items such as birdbaths, flowerpots, buckets, old tires, and wading pools.
Residents are also encouraged to wear long sleeves and use mosquito repellent containing DEET when outdoors during peak mosquito activity periods around dusk and dawn.
Naperville officials said weekly mosquito monitoring and prevention efforts will continue throughout the summer months.
