MOSQUITOES

While the Mosquito are just a bother, however, some transmit serious diseases in humans and in dogs. Further, there are two different kinds of Mosquitoes plaguing Illinoisans. First, the Floodwater Mosquito who store their eggs singly in low-lying areas that becomes flooded. Secondly, the Vector Mosquito that carries diseases and lay their eggs in ditches or anything that holds water.

Nevertheless, a more common disease that occurs in the U.S., including Illinois is the West Nile Virus. Likewise, according to the Chicago Tribune, in 2015, there were 44 cases of West Nile Virus.

One caution is to stay indoors after the sun sets when mosquitoes are most active. Additionally, West Nile virus was first identified in September 2001 in the Chicago area. Consequently, the following year the state recorded the first human cases and deaths from the disease. As a result, all but two of the state's counties eventually reported West Nile positive.

To learn more, go to the New York Times article, "Short Answers to Hard Questions about Zika Virus". Therefore, when outdoors apply insect repellent as indicated on the label. Yet, all considered, the most effective control is larviciding. Which is a pesticide application process designed to kill mosquitoes and their larvae before they become adults.

The Illinois Department of Public Health promotes mosquito control and conduct studies. Furthermore, the best means of controlling mosquitoes is to deny them a place to develop. This is source reduction and elimination of water from places where mosquitoes lay eggs. Moreover, draining ponds, ditches, and by keeping water containers empty is helpful.

To get more detailed information about how to protect your family and yourself from mosquitoes, visit the Illinois Department of Public Health website.