Mosquito Management

Mosquito Control Program

The City has an ongoing integrated mosquito control program is based upon the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and includes the following primary components:

LARVICIDING

Through a permit issued by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, biolarvicides are applied to selected wetlands in the City for the control of disease (West Nile Virus) transmitting mosquitoes. The City’s program utilizes a consultant to perform ongoing population monitoring and surveillance as well as the application of the biolarvicide when mosquito larvae counts warrant treatment.

The treatment areas are comprised of approximately 1,100 acres of public and/or private (with permission) major wetland/floodland tracts. The specific areas that are to be treated include: the wetlands adjacent to the Fox River between Springdale Road, running east and then north to Capitol Drive (including Mitchell Park and wetlands south of Voigt Soccer Park); Rolling Meadows Park and adjoining wetlands east to Pilgrim Road and north of Bluemound Road; Wirth Park wetlands (north and west of the park) and the wooded area of Wirth Park South; and the Butler Ditch wetlands corridor east of Pilgrim Road, running north and east of Capitol Drive to Hampton Avenue. Treatments will occur as conditions warrant and funding permits (i.e. 1 - 2 treatments per season).

Larvicides that may be utilized include Vectolex FG and Natular G, which are both products of naturally occurring soil bacteria. Vectolex FG and Natular G are granular products (i.e. not liquids or sprays) that will be applied by helicopter utilizing GPS navigational technology to assure accuracy in identifying treatment locations. There are no restrictions for public use of the treated areas. However, park users are cautioned to avoid utilizing the areas of the park while treatment operations are being conducted.

The program has the flexibility to be expanded to include surveillance/monitoring and possible treatment of stormwater facilities (i.e. catch basins, inlets, etc.) and/or wastewater treatment facilities as identified and practical throughout the City in collaboration with the Department of Public Works.

ADULTICIDING

The adulticiding program includes regular treatments of community-wide parks and large group public gathering places as necessary and surveillance program indicates.

A summary of the City of Brookfield Mosquito Control Management Program and map of the treatment areas are available at the Parks and Recreation Office. Watch for additional updates on the website or through the news media. Treatment dates and ongoing information may also be obtained by calling the Mosquito Program Information Line at 262-796-6711.

Mosquito Control and West Nile Virus

What Property Owners Can Do to Help Reduce the Risk

A critical element of an effective integrated mosquito management program includes community outreach and public education and the practice of source reduction. Source reduction is a community effort to alter or eliminate mosquito larval habitat to prevent breeding wherever practicable. Residents and businesses are encouraged to engage in habitat alteration or elimination activities such as the proper disposal of used tires and the cleaning of rain gutters, bird baths, and unused swimming pools or any other types of vessels/containers/areas that will hold water and serve as potential breeding areas. In addition, other habitat alteration or elimination activities performed by the City include ongoing streambank clearing and restoration, catch basin and/or storm inlet cleaning, and container removal.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has prepared a Fact Sheet on Mosquito Information for Homeowners regarding West Nile Virus. Copies are available at the Parks, Recreation & Forestry office or can be obtained through the Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection.

A variety of pamphlets, fact sheets, brochures and other materials are available at the Parks, Recreation and Forestry office that will provide information related to mosquito biology, personal protection, appropriate source reduction around the home, and the overall City integrated mosquito management program.