The Chicago Department of Public Health on Wednesday will begin spraying insecticide in Auburn Gresham, Washington Heights and Forest Glen neighborhoods from dusk to 1 a.m. to kill mosquitoes as a West Nile Virus precaution.
The spray used is called Zenivex, a fast-decomposing, harmless substance commonly used in neighborhoods to control adult mosquitos.
The substance will be applied by professional technicians from Vector Disease Control International and supervised by the Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation, city officials said. The city's plan is to apply 1.5 fluid ounces per acre.
“Spraying to kill adult mosquitoes is a sensible and effective component of an integrated pest management program,” CDPH Environmental Health Medical Director Cort Lohff said. “It is our expectation that this effort will further limit the mosquito population and prevent cases of human illness in Chicago.”
CDPH advises residents to take precautions against the mosquitos that may be carrying the virus by keeping grass and weeds short, eliminating standing water outside and using insect repellent.
