Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Mosquito Spraying Tonight

click to enlarge
There will be mosquito abatement spraying tonight that will affect parts of the 46th, 47th, and 48th Wards. From the above map (which can be enlarged), it looks like most areas in Uptown north of Leland will be in the spray zone.

According to a mailing from Ald. Osterman, "There will be a mosquito abatement spraying in the 48th Ward this evening to protect residents from potential exposure to mosquitoes that may carry West Nile Virus. Weather permitting, the spraying will begin at dusk and continue through the night until approximately 1:00am, with licensed mosquito abatement technicians in trucks dispensing an ultra-low-volume spray.

The material being used to control the adult mosquitoes, Zenivex™, is approved for use by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and has been widely applied to control mosquitoes in outdoor residential and recreational areas across the city. The spray will be applied by licensed mosquito abatement technicians from Vector Disease Control International, a leader in the mosquito control industry. Guiding the crews through the streets will be supervisors from the Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation.

While the spray is not harmful to people or pets and is routinely sprayed in residential areas across the nation, residents of targeted neighborhoods may choose to stay indoors and close their windows while spraying is underway, as an extra precaution.

In addition to the city's aggressive mosquito abatement and prevention efforts, CDPH continues to remind residents to take simple precautions to protect themselves against mosquitoes that may carry the virus, including:
  • Use insect repellent that contains DEET, Picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.
  • Eliminate standing water. This includes emptying water from flowerpots, gutters, pool  covers, pet water dishes and birdbaths regularly.
  • Keep grass and weeds short to eliminate hiding places for adult mosquitoes.
  • When outside between dusk and dawn, wear loose-fitting, light colored clothing including long pants, long sleeve shirts, socks and shoes.
  • Check that all screens, windows and doors are tight-fitting and free of holes and tears.
  • Check on neighbors regularly who may need additional assistance, including the elderly.
Though mosquitoes found to carry the Zika virus are not native to Chicago, CDPH has launched a recent campaign, #StopZika, to educate residents traveling to Zika-infested regions how to protect themselves. The campaign also reminds residents how the department is working to prevent mosquito-borne viruses that are endemic to Chicago, including West Nile virus.

If you have any questions, please contact my office at (773) 784-5277 or email harry@48thward.org."

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