The Village of Lemont controls mosquito spraying with the use of a truck-mounted fogging unit to apply insecticides as an ultra-low volume (ULV) spray. ULV spray units dispense very fine aerosol droplets (fog) that stay aloft and kill the mosquitoes on contact. The amount of insecticide sprayed by the ULV units is small compared to the area treated, usually about three to five ounces per acre, which minimizes exposure and risk to people and the environment.

The best time to kill adult mosquitoes by fogging is at dusk, when they are most active. The aerosol fog primarily targets flying mosquitoes, which is why the timing of spray is critical.

Fogging will only kill part of the mosquitoes in your area for a few days. Consequently individuals should always use personal protection when mosquitoes are present.

Commonly Used Products

You can find commonly used insecticides at epa.gov. All insecticides used for mosquito control in Illinois must be registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Illinois Department of Agriculture.

Additional Mosquito Control

Along with spraying for mosquitoes the Village also treats storm sewer catch basins. A good mosquito abatement program includes larviciding these catch basins with Altosid Briquettes which are placed in mosquito habitats such as catch basins and major areas of stagnant water in the public right of way. 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 for the eggs to hatch and mature into adults, depending on the species. The briquettes, which look similar to charcoal cooking briquettes are placed in these areas in the beginning of May and are monitored through October each year. Areas that pond briefly and dissipate within a few days of rain are not a threat. The main concern is areas with long standing water.

The briquette method of mosquito control is environmentally friendly. The advantage of using the briquette is twofold. First, we eliminate the mosquito before they can cause a health hazard, and second, these briquettes pose no threat to anyone but the mosquito.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health larviciding is an effective method of mosquito control and they recommend treatment at least twice per summer.