Community Corner

Mosquito Spraying Slated Tonight in St. Charles

Efforts aims to get ahead of forecasted weather conditions considered perfect for mosquito breeding.

If you’ve not yet experienced the annoying, high-pitched hum and the itchy bumps that mark the arrival of the Fox Valley’s most prevalent blood-sucking beasties, St. Charles is taking steps to ensure the summertime nuisance doesn’t become overbearing.


The city, in a release issued Thursday, said Clarke, the city’s mosquito abatement vendor, will be spraying Thursday evening, July 11, 2013 in an effort to help control nuisance mosquitoes. The effort also is a matter of public health concern — reducing the mosquito population also curbs the potential for the spread of mosquito-borne disease such as West Nile virus.


According to the release, the spraying is part of a robust program for combating mosquito outbreaks, which includes surveillance and monitoring, and the control of both mosquito larva and adult insects.

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“The recent rains and predicted hot and humid weather are creating perfect breeding conditions for mosquitoes,” said Assistant Public Works Director Peter Suhr. “While the City has a program for reducing the mosquito population, there are steps residents can take to help control mosquitoes.”


Steps Residents Can Take


In its release, the city urges residents to take steps of their own to help control mosquitoes:

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  • Discard old tires, cans, buckets, drums, bottles, or any water-holding containers outdoors.

  • Fill in or drain water from low places in the yard.

  • Cover trash and other containers to keep out rainwater.

  • Repair leaky pipes and outside faucets.

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

  • Ensure that your backyard pool is properly cared for while on vacation.

  • Change the water frequently in birdbaths and planters.

  • Keep grass cut short and shrubbery well-trimmed around the house.

  • To prevent bites, the Illinois Department of Public Health encourages residents to use insect repellent, avoid being outdoors during dawn and dusk hours when mosquitoes are most active, and to wear long-sleeve shirts.


  • Residents may call Clarke directly at 1-800-942-2555 about the spraying schedule, mosquito annoyances, treatments, standing water, dead birds, etc.


    Information is available on Clarke's website at www.clarke.com or the city website at www.stcharlesil.gov. For additional questions, contact the Public Works office at 630-377-4405.


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