Summer tips for nuisance animal prevention, pest and rodent control

Higher temperatures, increased moisture and abundant food sources make the summer months ideal for certain pests and nuisance animals. Here are a few tips to prevent unwanted visitors:

Mosquitoes

You want your home to be safe from mosquitoes so you can enjoy the outdoors this summer. The North Shore Mosquito Abatement District, along with the Illinois Department of Public Health, recommend the following preventive measures to help reduce mosquito-breeding sites. With proper water management, together we can keep mosquito breeding and mosquito-borne diseases to a minimum.

Remember, if it can hold water, it can breed mosquitoes:

• Collect and properly discard all unused artificial containers and old tires.
• Place tight covers over rain barrels, cisterns, septic tanks, and other containers that hold water.
• Change the water in birdbaths and wading pools once a week.
• Check to see if your children’s toys are holding water and creating a mosquito breeding source.
• Check flowerpots for mosquito larvae.
• Properly maintain swimming pools or when not in use, drain and cover them to discourage the development of mosquitoes.
• Stack pails, barrels, tubs, vases, wheelbarrows, and similar containers upside down so water does not accumulate in them.
• Cut, remove and properly discard excess overhanging vegetation along or over the banks of drainage ditches or stagnant slow-moving streams.
• Inspect and clean rain gutters and downspouts if leaves and other debris block them.
• Clean and properly maintain catch basins that hold water.

More information is available from the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District.

Rodents

Rats and mice are more active during the summer and fall months because they are gathering food to store for the winter.

• Eliminate (and recycle) rubbish, boxes, scrap metal and other materials that give rodents a place to hide
• Control weeds, shrubs and vegetation overgrowth, especially along foundations, that give rodents the means to move from location to location without being seen
• Keep food away. Don’t put food out for stray animals
• Manage garbage. Use durable, Village-approved trash cans with tight-fitting lids
• Seal holes and openings in garage walls and doors

Rodent activity should be reported to the Village's Inspectional Services Department at 847-904-4330.

Skunks

Skunks are nocturnal scavengers that have black and white striped fur. They are a persistent species that will not easily leave the area until all food sources are eliminated or lessened. Skunks are hunters that depend on their sense of smell for defense and food.

A few tips to prevent skunk infestations:

• Do not encourage skunks by feeding them
• Keep pet food and watering dishes inside, especially at night
• Do not allow spillage to accumulate outside bird feeders
• Keep grills and barbecues clean; even the smallest food scraps may attract skunks
• Do not keep garbage cans outside if possible (store in garage)
• Use welded wire to exclude animals from underneath decks, elevated sheds, openings under concrete slabs and porches. Secure outside access to crawl spaces.