A Weekly Note from Mayor Gary L. Graham
“Traditional Values, Progressive Thinking”
In preparation for the upcoming mosquito season, we have developed a plan to control the mosquito population in O’Fallon, and at the same time, prevent the spread of the West Nile Virus.
The City of O’Fallon has, for several years, instituted a larviciding program that utilizes Altosid briquettes which are placed in mosquito habitats such as storm sewer catch basins and major areas of stagnant water in the public right-of-way and parks. The briquettes are designed to kill the mosquito eggs before they hatch. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, and it takes only four to ten days, depending on the species, for the eggs to hatch and mature into adults. The briquettes, which look similar to charcoal cooking briquettes, are placed in these areas beginning in May and are monitored through October each year. Areas that pond briefly and dissipate within a few days of rain storms are not a threat. The main concern is areas with long-standing stagnant water.
The briquette method of mosquito control is more environmentally friendly than the past practice of mosquito fogging and has been proven to be vastly more effective at controlling mosquitoes. The advantage of using the briquettes is two-fold. First, we eliminate the mosquitoes before they can pose a health hazard and, second, these briquettes pose no threat to anyone but mosquitoes.
According to the Illinois Department of Pubic Health, larviciding is the most effective method of mosquito control and they recommend treatment of catch basins at least twice per summer. We treat all catch basins and other problem areas three to five times per mosquito season and have several staff members certified by the State Department of Agriculture to diagnose problem locations and place briquettes wherever appropriate.
Residents are responsible for treating any standing water on their private property. Under the City’s Nuisance Ordinance, residents should not obstruct any watercourse, ravine or gutter so as to cause water to stagnate, or permit foul or stagnant water to stand upon any premises. Residents who do not abide by the ordinance could be subject to a fine.
For those property owners who have standing water on their property such as a lake, pond, or storm water detention pond, drainage easement, creek or other depression which due to topography holds water for long periods of time, domestic versions of the briquettes which are commonly known as “Mosquito Dunks” are available. These dunks often look like small donuts, and can be purchased at home and garden improvement stores.
The City’s larvicide program makes a significant impact on mosquitoes, but residents have the ability to make the largest impact through the following.
Here’s What you can do to Help:
· Dispose of cans, plastic containers and anything else that can hold water
· Remove discarded tires, including tire swings from your property
· Cover or drill holes in recycling containers or outside trashcans
· Turn wheelbarrows, wading pools, children’s toys and other similar items over or put them away
· Store boats covered or upside down
· Keep roof gutters free of leaves and other debris
· Repair leaky pipes and outside faucets
· Clean and put fresh water in birdbaths or wading pools regularly
· Drained, unused swimming pools should be kept dry
· Keep landscaping, vegetation, flowerpots, ponds and gardens free of standing water
· Keep grass cut short and shrubbery well trimmed around the house
· Fill in tree rot holes and hollow stumps that hold water
· Make sure ornamental ponds have fish, which will eat mosquito larvae
· Keep drains, ditches, and culverts free of weeds and trash
· Use proper cleaning and chlorinating practices for outdoor pools, saunas and hot tubs
· Make sure your home’s windows and doors have proper screening
· Wear proper clothing and repellants with 25-35% DEET volume when outdoors
· Report violations of the above listed health risk situations to the City of O’Fallon Planning & Zoning Department at 624-4500, ext. 4
· Report any dead blue jays or crows that are not yet decomposed (died within the previous 1-2 days) to the St. Clair County Health Department at 233-7703 starting May 1st
City residents who are aware of locations where water is standing on public rights-of-way and City property are asked to call the Public Works Department at 624-4500, extension 5.
The health and safety of our residents and their loved ones is very important to me and by working together we can make sure that everyone remains safe this spring and summer. The strong working relationship between City Hall and the residents we serve is another example of why O’Fallon is such a great community in which to live.
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