Spraying tonight in NW Evanston

The northwest corner of Evanston is included in the area for targeted spraying for adult mosquitoes Wednesday night by the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District.

The area to be sprayed runs from Central Street on the north to Dempster Street on the south, between  McCormick Boulevard and the Edens Expressway, according to the district’s website. Excluded from the spraying is the section of Evanston east of Crawford Avenue and north of Golf Road.

The lack of significant rainfall this season does not necessarily mean there are fewer mosquitoes, according to David Zazra, communications manager for the district.

The Culex mosquito, primarily responsible for spreading West Nile Disease, breeds outdoors in very small amounts of water during the hot, dry heat, according to Zazra.

What he calls the “nuisance mosquito,” responsible for most of the bites to humans during the summer, is the floodwater mosquito that is a prolific breeder in standing water left over from rainstorms.

The Cook County Department of Public Health offers these tips as the most effective way to prevent against becoming infected with West Nile Virus:

“Get rid of standing water around your home in pet bowls, flower pots, old tires, baby pools and toys. Water that is allowed to stagnate for three or four days becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

“Make sure your doors and windows have tightly fitting screens and repair any tears or other openings.

“Keep weeds and grass cut short and keep gutters clean and free of debris.

“When outdoors between dusk and dawn, cover skin with lightly colored loose fitting clothing and use mosquito repellent with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, following the directions on the label. “

Tonight’s spraying is scheduled to occur from 8 p.m. until 2 a.m. Thursday.