SEASONAL MOSQUITO PRODUCTION IN STORM SEWER CATCH BASINS OF THE NORTH SHORE SUBURBS OF CHICAGO, 2021 TO 2024

From 2021 to 2024, the number of pupae found in storm sewer catch basins in the North Shore suburbs of Chicago were assessed as part of routine quality control and improvement efforts. Over the course of these 4 yr, pupae were collected at least once during all calendar months, allowing for some insight into monthly mosquito production in catch basins. Thus, the intent of this study was to use those data to describe the number of pupae found in these structures across calendar months. In total, 1,993 unique catch basins were sampled. Pupae were found during the months of April through December, with the highest levels seen during June through November. Results suggest that basins may remain productive a month or more after local abatement districts end their routine Culex adult surveillance with gravid traps in late September and early October each year. These observations can help with the timing and intensity of larvicide treatments in Chicago area catch basins and may serve as a baseline for comparison to future seasonal changes.