Culex population dynamics and West Nile virus transmission in east-central Illinois.

Temporal changes in the abundance Culex restuans and Culex pipiens were monitored in east-central Illinois for over a decade using infusion-baited oviposition traps. The 2 species typically exhibited a seasonal shift in relative abundance with a mean crossover date (when the proportion of egg rafts from both species is equal) of August 10 or 11, depending on leap year, with a 95% confidence interval of +/- 10.7 days.

Field efficacy of commercial antimosquito products in Illinois.

We evaluated the efficacy of commercial antimosquito products in field trials in Illinois in June 1998 by comparing mosquito landing rates. Products tested were a sonic mosquito repeller, an insect killing grid using ultraviolet light and 1-octen-3-ol as lures, mosquito smoke coils containing a pyrethroid, citronella candles, the mosquito plant Pelargonium citrosum, and a N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (deet)-impregnated wrist band. The sonic mosquito repeller, insect killing grid, and mosquito smoke coils were evaluated in 16 trials over 5 days; the citronella candles and mosquito plants in II trials over 4 days; and the wrist bands in 4 trials on 1 day.

Culiseta impatiens (Walker) in Illinois, a new state record.

We report the 1st collection of Culiseta impatiens (Walker) from Illinois. Larvae of Culiseta subsequently identified as Cs. impatiens were collected from roadside ditches near Savoy, Champaign County, in east central Illinois in June 1997.