June 4, 1996

HEAVY RAINS PROVIDE IDEAL CONDITIONS FOR MOSQUITOES

SPRINGFIELD, IL -- Heavy rains experienced throughout Illinois this spring have provided ideal conditions for the breeding of large numbers of vicious biting mosquitoes.

These mosquitoes, commonly called floodwater or temporary pool mosquitoes, generally are not disease carriers, but can be a nuisance. Large numbers of floodwater mosquitoes emerge about two weeks after heavy rains and can fly up to 20 miles from where they hatch, particularly along prevailing winds.

The mosquitoes are attracted to people by carbon dioxide and perspiration. They have a peak biting time of just after sunset and again just before dawn, but will feed anytime in or near wooded areas if disturbed.

Dr. John R. Lumpkin, state public health director, said the following are ways people can protect themselves from mosquito bites:

• Avoid places and times when mosquitoes bite.
• Be sure door and window screens are tight-fitting and in good repair.
• Wear appropriate clothing. Long-sleeved tops and long pants made of tightly woven materials keep mosquitoes away from the skin. Be sure, too, that clothing is light colored. Keep trouser legs tucked into boots and socks.
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in an unscreened structure and to protect small babies.
• Check to see your mosquito repellent contains DEET, a chemical commonly found in these products. Generally, repellents with about 30 percent DEET work best for adults; use lower concentrations for children. When outdoors, apply repellent sparingly to exposed skin or clothing, as indicted on the product's label.

Dr. Lumpkin also noted the best defense against these pests and other kinds of mosquitoes is to eliminate places where they breed. He suggested the following:

• Remove or empty water in old tires, tin cans, buckets or other places where mosquitoes may breed. Be sure to check clogged gutters and flat roofs that may have poor drainage.
• Empty plastic wading pools at least once a week and store inside when not in use.
• Change the water in bird baths and plant pots or drip trays at least once a week.
• Store boats covered or upside down, or remove rainwater weekly.
• Empty your pet's water bowl daily.
• Level the ground around your home so water can run off and not collect in low spots. Fill in holes or depressions near your home that accumulate water.
• Clear weeds, branches and other debris from ditches so they drain properly.
• Fill in tree rot holes and hollow stumps that hold water.
• If you have an ornamental water garden or pond, stock it with fish, such as minnows, goldfish or guppies, that eat mosquito larvae.
• Keep weeds and tall grass cut short; adult mosquitoes look for these shady places to rest during the hot daylight hours.

Illinois Department of Public Health 535 West Jefferson Street Springfield, Illinois 62761 Phone 217-782-4977 Fax 217-782-3987 TTY 800-547-0466 Questions or Comments