Suburbs fight bumper crop of mosquitoes

GLENDALE HEIGHTS, Ill. (WLS) -- Several suburbs sprayed Wednesday night to keep this summer's bumper crop of mosquitoes at bay.

People throughout the western suburbs flock to Camera Park for the rides, music and fellowship. But county and state officials are warning that the wet weather has created ideal conditions for mosquito breeding.

"We have heard about West Nile and it is a concern and we just take the precautions take a look at the kids and make sure that we are wearing something protective," said Linda Peterson, Glendale Heights resident.

The longtime mayor of nearby Lombard succumbed to West Nile virus a few years ago while he was fighting cancer. The Glendale Heights mayor said the carnival grounds are fogged with repellent every day.

"You never know, I mean, I knew the mayor of Lombard," said Glendale Heights Mayor Linda Jackson.

Extra mosquito abatement fogging took place Wednesday night on the North Shore. Measures like these go much further, officials say, when people get rid of standing water around their homes, especially in out-of-the-way places like old tires and recycling bins.

While this year's bumper crop of mosquitoes is a nuisance, the rain keeps down breeding of the kind that carry West Nile.

Kids and the elderly are most susceptible of course. Officials recommend the following steps to avoid mosquitoes this summer:

• Use an approved insect repellent every time you go outside, and follow label instructions.
• Drain standing water where mosquitoes can breed.
• Wear long sleeves and pants when outside.
• Use air conditioning or make sure doors and windows are screened to keep mosquitoes outside.