Guide to Avoiding Mosquitoes in Illinois

1. West Nile Virus

Over the last 15+ years, West Nile virus has become a significant health concern for residents in Illinois. West Nile was first reported in 2001 in Illinois, and within a year had spread throughout the state. In 2002, there were more human cases and deaths of West Nile in IL than in any other state in the US. In recent years, the cases of West Nile disease have dropped in Illinois, concentrated in the northeastern counties of the state. It is transmitted to humans via infected mosquitoes, who would have picked up the virus from infected birds. There is no vaccination or specific treatments for West Nile.

Symptoms:

• Most infected people display no or mild symptoms.
• Fever and headache can affect some people.
• Some affected people, especially the elderly, can contract West Nile encephalitis, a serious brain disease. Symptoms include fever, headache, rash, conjunctivitis, rash, disorientation, and muscle weakness. Severe cases (less than 1%) can result in permanent brain damage, coma, and death.

2. Zika Virus

While the Zika virus is better known for outbreaks in South America and more tropical locations, there have been some cases of humans infected by Zika in Illinois. Zika primarily spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito, and it is only a matter of time before mosquitoes begin carrying Zika here in Illinois.

The Zika virus has been linked to microcephaly, a serious birth defect marked by poor brain development. This is why pregnant women or those looking to get pregnant must take special caution. There is no vaccine for Zika. While there is no treatment for Zika, you can treat the symptoms by drinking fluids, resting, and taking medicine to reduce pain and fever.

Symptoms:

• Most infected people display no or mild symptoms.
• Common symptoms include fever, rash, headache, red eyes, muscle pain, and joint pain.
• Symptoms can last up to a week

3. Additional Mosquito-borne Diseases

The St. Louis encephalitis and other forms of encephalitis virus are known to be carried by mosquitoes in Illinois. These diseases display similar symptoms, including fever, headache, disorientation, and tremors. It can cause spastic paralysis, coma, and death, especially in older populations.

1. Wear Light Colored Clothes

Mosquitoes are attracted to darker colored clothing, so by wearing white or light-colored clothing, you are making yourself less of an appealing target for mosquitoes.

2. Use Insect Repellent

There are plenty of bug sprays and insect repellents you can apply to yourself and your family to avoid mosquito bites. Make sure you find a spray or lotion that contains one of the following active ingredients:

• DEET
• Picaridin
• IR3535
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-methane-diol (PDM)
• 2-undercanone

Be sure to follow the label on repellant for proper application techniques.

3. Remove Standing Water

As we saw above, mosquitoes use standing water as their ideal breeding ground. By removing stagnant water – and things that collect rainwater – you can prevent more mosquitoes from hatching in your backyard. This includes old tires, buckets, flower pots, clogged downspouts, and low spots in your yard. Ornamental ponds and water gardens, should use a circulating pump to keep water moving so mosquitoes can’t breed. Bird baths, wading pools, and outdoor fountains should be regularly flushed with water to keep it clean.

4. Yard Treatment Options

The best way to avoid mosquitoes in your backyard is to have a professional apply targeted treatments. Pest control professionals have specially-designed applications that target mosquitoes while being safe for your family. The can also offer additional tips and suggestions for making your yard mosquito-proof.