While mosquitoes are likely to become less active as summer heat diminishes, the threat of West Nile Virus could continue as late as mid-October.
Public health officials urge residents not to become complacent and to continue taking precautions to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes. The most effective precautions include wearing long sleeves and pants, limiting time spent outdoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active and wearing insect repellent containing DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
Residents can also eliminate mosquito breeding grounds on their property by getting rid of standing water in places like birdbaths, buckets and gutters. Rain barrels should have a mesh screen on top.
Visit www.oak-park.us/fightthebite or email health@oak-park.us for more information.