St. Charles has a robust program for combating mosquito outbreaks, which includes surveillance, monitoring, larval control and adult mosquito control.
What you can do:
1. Discard old tires, tin cans, buckets, drums, bottles, or any containers sitting outside that hold water.
2. Drain low lying areas in the yard holding water. Before filling in any low lying areas, please contact the Community Development Department at 360-377-4443 to make sure there are no permitting requirements or drainage concerns by doing so.
3. Cover trash containers to keep out rainwater.
4. Repair leaky pipes and outside faucets.
5. Empty plastic wading pools and store indoors when not in use.
6. Make sure your backyard pool is properly cared for while on vacation.
7. Change the water in birdbaths and planters frequently.
8. Keep grass cut short and shrubbery well-trimmed around the house.
9. To prevent bites, the Illinois Department of Public Health encourages residents to use insect repellent, avoid being outdoors during dawn and dusk hours when mosquitoes are most active, and to wear long sleeves.
The City of St. Charles has a contract with Clarke Environmental, Inc. who helps us to manage mosquito problems. Residents may call Clarke directly at 1.800.942.2555 regarding mosquito annoyances, treatments, spraying schedule, dead birds, standing water, etc. Information also is available on Clarke's website, www.clarke.com. For additional questions, contact the City of St. Charles, Public Works office at 630.377.4405.
