|
On this Page...
How the City Controls Mosquitoes
What You can do to Stop Mosquitoes
What You should Know about the West Nile Virus
What to do if You Find a Dead Bird
Mosquito City Ordinance
Additional West Nile Resources
How the City Controls Mosquitoes
The city’s Department of Public Works remains committed to controlling populations of nuisance and disease carrying mosquitoes and protecting public health. The city’s mosquito control program emphasizes control of larvae and uses environmentally safe products. For detailed program information download the Mosquito Abatement Brochure.
What You Can Do to Stop Mosquitoes
During the summer months, Naperville residents are encouraged to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites and help to reduce the number of potential mosquito breeding sites around their home.
- Install or repair window and door screens so that mosquitoes cannot get indoors.
- Eliminate standing water around your home such as ruts and puddles.
- Remember to remove old tires, tin cans and buckets and change the water in birdbaths at least once a week.
- Keep gutters clear of debris.
- Keep grass cut short and shrubbery well trimmed around your home.
What You Should Know about the West Nile Virus
Although the chances that a person will become severely ill from any one mosquito bite is extremely small, local and state health officials agree that there are several precautions residents should take to protect themselves and their family from mosquito-borne diseases, including:
- Consider staying indoors between dusk and dawn, which is peak mosquito biting time. Avoid activities in areas where mosquitoes are plentiful.
- Whenever possible, wear protective clothing such as long sleeves, long pants and socks while outdoors.
- Apply insect repellent to exposed skin. An effective repellent will contain 25% to 35% DEET. DEET in high concentrations (greater than 35%) provides no additional protection. Use according to label.
Illnesses related to mosquito bites are rare. However, a person should see a doctor immediately if they develop symptoms such as high fever, confusion, neck pain, muscle weakness or severe headaches. Patients with mild symptoms are likely to recover completely and do not require any specific medication or laboratory testing.
Many animals including birds, horses, cats, dogs and squirrels can become ill from the virus. There has been no documented evidence of animal-to-animal or animal-to-person transmission of the West Nile Virus.
What to do if You Find a Dead Bird
The City of Naperville does not collect or test dead birds. The County where you reside will collect only dead crows and bluejays for possible submittal to the State of Illinois lab for testing. Not all are eligible to be tested at the state lab and are only submitted for a limited time each mosquito season. These birds must be believed to have been dead less than 24 hours. The counties will not collect other species of birds for State testing. To report dead crows or bluejays, call the county where you reside.
- DuPage County Environmental Health Services, (630) 682-7979 ext. 7046
- Will County, (815) 740-7631
Residents who find dead birds other than crows or bluejays on their property should dispose of the bird themselves. Use a barrier such as a glove or shovel when handling the bird, and package the bird in a doubled plastic bag before discarding it in the normal garbage container.
For more information call the Department of Public Works at (630) 420-6095.
Mosquito City Ordinance
Naperville city ordinance defines the collection of untreated water where mosquitoes breed, or are likely to breed, as a nuisance and a danger to the public health. The ordinance is contained in Title 4, Chapter 8 of the Naperville Municipal Code. The city codebook can be accesssed at the following website: http://www.sterlingcodifiers.com/IL/Naperville/index.htm
Additional Mosquito Resources
For more information on the West Nile Virus, please visit one of the following Web sites:
|