Lisle's Proactive Fight Against Mosquitoes Kicks Off for a Safer Summer

Ah, summer in Lisle! Beautiful weather, outdoor fun… and, well, sometimes, those pesky mosquitoes. But here's some really good news for everyone: our Village is already on the case, rolling out its comprehensive mosquito control program for the 2024 season. It's all about making sure we can enjoy our community without quite so many annoying — and potentially harmful — bites.

Working hand-in-hand with the specialists at Clarke Environmental Mosquito Control, Lisle actually started these proactive efforts way back on May 28th. They'll be keeping up the good fight every single week, right through October, aiming to significantly cut down on the mosquito population.

You might be wondering, "How exactly are they doing this?" Well, the main strategy right now involves applying larvicides. And specifically, these aren't just sprayed willy-nilly. They're targeting the very places where mosquitoes like to get their start: catch basins and storm sewers all over town. Think of it as nipping the problem in the bud, long before those little biters even have a chance to grow wings. It’s a smart, environmentally sensitive approach, tackling the issue at its larval stage.

The big picture here, of course, is protecting us all from West Nile Virus. While mosquitoes are annoying, WNV is a serious concern, and by reducing their numbers early, we significantly lower that risk for our community members. It's truly a public health effort at its core.

Now, what about the grown-up mosquitoes? If we see increased West Nile activity later in the season, or if mosquito counts really start climbing, the Village, in consultation with Clarke, might consider adult mosquito control – that's when you might see spraying happening. But that's a decision for down the road, based on careful monitoring and public health data, not just a default.

But here's the thing, folks: this isn't just a job for the Village alone. We all play a part in keeping our yards and neighborhoods as mosquito-free as possible. The DuPage County Health Department has a fantastic initiative called 'Fight the Bite,' and it's full of simple, common-sense steps we can all take to help out:

• Seriously, check for standing water! Old tires, forgotten bird baths, clogged gutters (a big one!), even those kiddie pools that haven't been drained. If it holds water for more than a few days, it's a potential mosquito nursery.
• Keep your swimming pools clean and circulating. Unused, stagnant pools are prime breeding grounds.
• When you're out during dawn or dusk, especially, cover up with long sleeves and pants, and don't forget that repellent. DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus are your friends here.
• Make sure your window and door screens are in tip-top shape – no little gaps for them to sneak in!

On a more serious note, if you spot a dead bird, please report it to the DuPage County Health Department – that's an important indicator for WNV surveillance. And if you notice standing water on public property that just won't go away, give Lisle Public Works a call; they'll get on it.

So, let's all do our part, stay informed, and enjoy a much less bite-y summer here in Lisle. For more detailed information on these efforts, you can always pop over to Clarke's website at clarke.com or check out the Village of Lisle's official site. Stay safe and enjoy the sunshine!