NOTICE

FROM

THE CITY OF MT. PULASKI

Springtime has arrived and it will soon be mosquito season . While chances are rare, West Nile Virus can be transmitted to humans by mosquitoes.  West Nile virus was first identified in Illinois in September 2001 in the Chicago area.  The following year, all but two of the state’s 102 counties reported cases of West Nile virus.  By the end of 2002, Illinois had counted more than 884 cases.  2003 showed a dramatic drop in West Nile cases in Illinois, only 54 cases were reported.  Weather conditions and public awareness have played a major role in reducing the number of cases of West Nile.  Mosquito spraying and abating standing water are the best things we can do to protect ourselves and help control the mosquito population.

To help prevent mosquitoes from breeding around your home, eliminate sources of standing water.  Mosquito larvae must live in still water for five or more days to complete their growth before changing into adult biting mosquitoes capable of transmitting disease.

1.      Remove or empty water in old tires, tin cans, buckets and drums. 

2.      Empty plastic wading pools at least once a week and store indoors when not in use.

3.      Swimming pools that are not used should be covered or drained during the mosquito season.

4.      Change the water in birdbaths and potted plants at least once a week.

5.      Level the ground around your house so water can drain away and not collect in low lying areas.

6.      If you have an ornamental water garden, stock it with mosquito eating fish such as minnows, mosquito fish, or goldfish as they eat mosquito larvae.

7.      Keep weeds and tall grass cut; adult mosquitoes look for these shady places to rest during the hot daylight hour.

8.      A small impoundment of water may be treated with “Bti” a bacterial insecticide.  Many hardware stores carry doughnut shaped “Bti” briquettes such as “Mosquito Dunk” for this purpose.

In addition to reducing or eliminating standing water, use personal protection when outdoors.  Avoid places and times when mosquitoes bite. You should check screens and use mosquito repellents that contain “DEET”.

The City of Mt. Pulaski will begin spraying for mosquitoes when the weather conditions permit.  If you are aware of standing water or abandoned tires that hold water in your neighborhood, please contact City Hall at 792-3222 or the Mt. Pulaski Police Department at 792-5018.