The blood-sucking bugs are back. The crazy weather this spring is causing an increase of mosquitos. When it’s dry it benefits culex mosquitos that can carry the West Nile virus, and when it rains floodwater mosquitos tend to appear.
The DuPage County Health Department offered up a solution to protect ourselves from the pests.
One Way to Avoid Mosquito Bites
“Our recommendation is for folks to take a walk once a week around the house looking for those standing bodies of waters, as small as a bottle cap even. Empty them out, and get rid of those breeding sites. It’s one of the easiest things you can do,” said Kevin Dixon, the assistant director of community health resources at DCH.
Another Way to Avoid Mosquito Bites
Another method of protecting yourself is using deet mosquito repellent. But if you don’t have access to that, wearing clothing that covers your skin can also prevent potential mosquito bites.
DuPage and Will County, and the City of Naperville each set their own mosquito traps and test them for West Nile virus. If the disease is detected the city goes around the trap area and sprays the perimeter using fogger vehicles.
“Generally we go really early in the morning, like 5:00 a.m. That’s when most of the insects, like the bees and most of the beneficial insects are not flying around at the time,” said Public Works Project Manger Patti Girard. “So we’re targeting the mosquitos, and most people aren’t even out.”
West Nile Virus in DuPage & Will County
At the time of this report, there have been three cases of mosquitos carrying the West Nile virus in Will County and one in DuPage. You can check out DuPage County Health Department’s website for an update on any West Nile activity.
Naperville News 17’s Christian Canizal and Ryan Skryd report.
