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1. What type of mosquito abatement program does the City provide?

The City does not spray for mosquitoes. The cost of spraying was $37,325 in 1998, $41,306 in 1999, and $42,132 in 2000. No abatement program has been conducted between 2000 and 2018. The previous Council decision not to provide a mosquito abatement program had some basis in a referendum posted on the November 2000 ballot that asked about increasing the tax rate to fund mosquito abatement. Specifically it stated,

“Shall the maximum tax rate for the general corporate fund of the City of Warrenville be established at .291 percent of the equalized assessed value instead of .266 percent, the maximum rate otherwise applicable to the next taxes to be extended?”

The results of that referendum were that 1,275 Warrenville residents or 24.18% voted yes in support of an abatement program and 3,998 residents or 75.82% voted no to the program. During the West Nile Virus scare in 2001, Council re-visited this issue. At their February 19, 2002, meeting, they decided against mosquito spraying or larviciding due to the potential health risk the chemicals that are used may pose – as provided by resident feedback at the meeting. Further, the effectiveness of spraying pesticides is very limited since Warrenville is surrounded by Forest Preserves. DuPage County Forest Preserve District sprays only when there is a health threat and not for nuisance mosquitoes.

2. What can I do to reduce mosquitoes around my house?

There are a number of things a homeowner can do. Mosquitoes can breed within 4 days.
1. Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic post or similar water-holding containers on your property.
2. Remove all discarded tires; used tires are the most common breeding sites.
3. Drill holes for drainage in the bottom of containers that are kept outdoors.
4. Clean clogged gutters and make sure they drain properly.
5. Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
6. Change the water in birdbaths regularly.
7. Clean vegetation and debris from the edge of ponds
8. Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs.
9. Drain water from pool covers.
10. Use landscaping to eliminate stagnant water that collects on your property.
11. Keep weeds and grass trimmed around the perimeter of your house, shed or other structures on your property. To reduce adult mosquitoes in vegetation, apply insecticides to the lower limbs of shade trees, shrubs and other vegetation. Focus on shaded areas and apply insecticides onto vegetation, walls and other potential mosquito resting areas. Always read and follow label directions before using any pesticide. Avoid chemicals in favor of natural or environmentally friendly products when possible.
12. Fill or drain puddles, ditches and swampy areas, and either remove, drain or fill tree holes and stumps with mortar.
13. Irrigate lawns and gardens carefully to prevent water from standing for several days.
In general prevent water from pooling on your property and maintain strict vegetation management.

3. What can I do to repel mosquitoes?

Use commercial repellents. Check labels for these active ingredients. Cover your skin evenly, mosquitoes will find and bite untreated spots. Use spray repellents on outer clothing as well as the skin. Repellents are sold as aerosols, creams, sticks and liquids. You should keep repellents away from eyes, nostrils and lips. Protection generally lasts 6 hours after application.

4. Do bug lights and torches repel mosquitoes?

Bug zappers have been shown to be ineffective in reducing mosquitoes or their biting activity. Oil of citronella is the active ingredient in many of the candles, torches, or coils, which are burned to repel mosquitoes. These work only in windless conditions. Their effectiveness is somewhat less than repellents applied to the skin.

5. What are my risks for the West Nile virus?

Very low. This virus causes an encephalitis infection of the brain. It infects birds and is transmitted when a mosquito feeds on the bird and then transfers it to humans. Although this virus has been found in both mosquitoes and birds in DuPage County, the possibility of human infection is extremely remote. Less than 1% of mosquitoes are infected with the virus. More information about the West Nile virus can be found on the DuPage County Health Department webpage at the link.

DuPage County Health Department