Mosquito time once again         

[MAY 26, 2006]  DATELINE -- The weather has finally warmed up and the rains seem to have slowed down a bit. What time of the year is it now? That's right, mosquito time. To help get rid of the pesky pest, all you have to do is some minor things around the house.

1. Empty plastic wading pools at least once a week and store indoors when not in use. Get rid of tires and turn any buckets or cans upside down.

2. Unused swimming pools should be drained and kept dry during the mosquito season.

3. Fill in tree rot holes and stumps.

4. Change the water in birdbaths and plant pots or drip trays at least once a week.

5. Store boats covered or upside down, or remove rain water once a week.

6. Keep grass cut short and shrubbery well-trimmed around the house so adult mosquitoes will not hide there.

7. Make sure ornamental ponds have fish that eat mosquito larvae, or treat the pond.

8. Repair window screens.

9. When outdoors in the evening or when mosquitoes are biting, use insect repellent and appropriate clothing.

For more information on mosquitoes and repellents, go to www.idph.state.il.us, check the topics list, and then click on "Mosquitoes" and related links, and it will explain a lot.

To report a mosquito problem in the city of Lincoln, call 732-4655 or e-mail the street superintendent at [e-mail].

Have a safe and hopefully mosquito-free summer.

[Tracy A. Jackson, Lincoln street superintendent]