Mosquito-Borne Viruses

Wheaton residents are part of the Wheaton Mosquito Abatement District (WMAD), a separate government agency overseen by DuPage County.

The objectives of the WMAD program are to control nuisance mosquitoes, reduce the potential of mosquito-borne disease transmission, and provide a comfortable and healthy atmosphere for district residents. The primary targets of the program are the floodwater mosquito (Aedes vexans) - the dominant nuisance species, and the northern house mosquito (Culex pipiens) - the potential disease carrier.

Under the authority of the Illinois Mosquito Abatement District, field technicians perform mosquito control activities on public and private properties for the control of mosquitoes and protection of public health.

Environmentally sensitive and effective mosquito control is accomplished within the WMAD utilizing Integrated Pest Management (IPM), an approach that includes the following components: adult mosquito population surveillance, larval site monitoring, biological control, and the careful and strategic use of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency labeled and registered pesticide products.

In WMAD’s IPM approach, potential and historical larval sites are frequently inspected; biological control agents (fish, insect growth regulators, and Bacillus bacteria byproducts) are utilized whenever possible. The adult mosquito population is scientifically monitored; pesticides are strategically applied only when necessary. The key is to concentrate on larval control within the district boundary, scientifically assess the adult population, and perform adulticiding only on an as-needed basis.

Clarke Environmental Mosquito Management is the contractor used by the Wheaton Mosquito Abatement District. Questions about the district’s mosquito control program should be directed to Clarke’s mosquito hotline at 800-942-2555.

Receive Notice before Mosquito Spraying or Contact Wheaton Mosquito Abatement District

To be notified by phone when mosquito spraying will take place, call 800-942-2555. You will receive an automated phone call before crews will be spraying for mosquitoes. Spraying typically takes place between dusk and 2 a.m. You can also email wmad@clarke.com or visit www.clarkeportal.com.

Information about Mosquito-Borne Viruses

To find out more about mosquito-borne viruses such as West Nile Virus and Zika Virus, please visit the DuPage County Health Department’s website.

What Can Residents Do?

According to Clarke, our partner in mosquito control, individuals can take the following steps to protect themselves against infection and assist in the fight against West Nile Virus:

  • If outdoors when mosquitoes are active, dress in light-colored, long-sleeved clothing, long pants and socks when outdoors during prime mosquito hours. Apply mosquito repellent with DEET to clothing and exposed skin in accordance with label directions.
  • Neglected swimming pools can be ideal sources for larval development to the mosquito species that transmits WNV and a public health hazard. Residents should report neglected pools to Clarke on the Mosquito Hotline at 1-800-942-2555, email: wmad@clarke.com, or Clarke portal: www.clarkeportal.com. Technicians would be dispatched to inspect and treat the pool, as necessary to eliminate the risk.
  • Discard any outdoor container that might hold water or empty water from wading pools and birdbaths once a week. Keep roof gutters clear for drainage.
  • Keep grass cut short and shrubbery well trimmed around the house so adult mosquitoes will not hide there.
  • Do not dump grass clippings into low lying areas that collect water after rainfalls to prevent mosquito larvae development. The use of mulching lawnmowers is encouraged to eliminate grass clipping disposal.;
  • Report dead birds on your property to the DuPage County Health Department by using the online Citizen Reporter tool. Dead birds (crows, blue jays and raptors) can be the first indicators of the presence of West Nile Virus in the area.

For the latest information on West Nile Virus, consult the Illinois Department of Health website at http://www.dph.illinois.gov or the DuPage County Health Department website at http://www.dupagehealth.org.