Des Plaines is built around a river — and that means mosquitoes. The Des Plaines River flows right through the city, with floodplain areas extending into residential neighborhoods on both sides. Add the forest preserve wetlands along the river and I-294, retention ponds throughout the subdivisions, the Des Plaines River Trail corridor, and 60,000 people’s worth of residential yards with clogged gutters, birdbaths, and low spots that hold water after rain — and you’ve got a mosquito problem that stretches across the entire city.
Quick Kill Exterminating has been helping Des Plaines homeowners take back their yards since 1990. Our seasonal mosquito program targets the specific conditions creating mosquito pressure on your property — not a generic spray, but treatments calibrated to your yard’s unique situation.
The Des Plaines River. The river running through the city is the biggest mosquito driver. Slow-moving sections, backwater pools, flooded banks after rain, and the river’s floodplain all produce massive numbers of mosquitoes. Homes along Des Plaines River Road and the river-adjacent neighborhoods deal with the heaviest pressure.
Forest preserve wetlands. The Cook County Forest Preserve land along the river and the tollway corridor includes restored wetlands and natural low-lying areas that are ideal mosquito breeding habitat. These preserves produce mosquitoes that drift into adjacent neighborhoods every evening.
Retention ponds and storm drainage. Des Plaines’ subdivisions include retention ponds and detention basins throughout the city. These are breeding sites for mosquitoes, particularly after heavy rains.
Prairie Lakes Park and city parks. Prairie Lakes Park, Dee Park, Friendship Park, and the city’s many smaller parks add green space where mosquitoes breed and rest. The fishing ponds at Prairie Lakes Park are mosquito sources.
Dense residential areas. Des Plaines is more densely developed than many surrounding suburbs. More homes mean more clogged gutters, birdbaths, kiddie pools, plant saucers, and other standing water sources — all potential breeding sites.
The most common mosquito in Des Plaines and the primary carrier of West Nile virus in Illinois. Breeds in stagnant water — storm drains, clogged gutters, birdbaths, any container holding water for more than a week. Most active dusk to dawn.
An aggressive daytime biter — black body with white stripes. Breeds in tiny amounts of water. Short flight range, so it breeds and bites on the same property. If you’re getting bitten during the day in Des Plaines, this is likely the culprit.
Populations explode after heavy rains — and with the Des Plaines River floodplain running through the city, this species is especially problematic here. They breed in temporary pools and flooded low areas. Aggressive biters that travel further than other species.
Property assessment. We inspect your yard to identify breeding sites, resting areas, and the conditions driving activity. A home near the river has different pressures than one near Prairie Lakes Park or in a residential-only neighborhood.
Targeted barrier treatment. We spray where mosquitoes rest during the day — undersides of leaves, shrub beds, ground cover, fence lines, under decks, around patios, along tree lines. Each application kills on contact and provides approximately 21 days of residual protection.
Breeding site reduction. We treat standing water that can’t be eliminated with larvicide and advise on source removal.
Recurring treatments. We return every three weeks from late May through September. Consistent retreatment is critical because the river corridor continuously replenishes mosquito populations.
April – Early May: First mosquitoes emerge. Starting early prevents population explosions later.
Late May – June: Populations ramp up with warm weather and spring rains.
July – August: Peak season. Hot, humid weather and thunderstorms create ideal conditions. West Nile virus risk is highest.
September – Early October: Activity declines but continues on warm evenings into October.
West Nile Virus. Illinois ranks among the top states for West Nile cases, with Cook County at the epicenter. The northern house mosquito that carries the virus is abundant throughout Des Plaines, particularly near the river corridor. Most infections are mild, but serious neurological illness can occur, particularly in older adults.
Dog heartworm. Mosquitoes transmit heartworm to dogs and occasionally cats. Reducing mosquitoes on your property provides additional protection alongside veterinary medication.
Late April to early May is ideal. Suppressing the first generation compounds all season.
Yes. EPA-registered products applied in targeted resting areas. Stay off treated areas until dry — about 30 minutes.
We avoid flowering plants and apply when pollinators are least active. Treatment targets mosquito resting areas — not blooming plants.
Our treatment typically reduces activity by 80-90%. Properties near the river may see slightly more pressure from surrounding habitat, but the improvement is still dramatic.
Depends on property size and frequency. Seasonal programs cover May through September. Call (847) 724-1511 for a free property assessment and quote.
Quick Kill Exterminating Co. has been helping Des Plaines families enjoy their yards since 1990. We’re your local Des Plaines pest control experts — based in nearby Wheeling and in your community every day.
Other Des Plaines pest control services: Ant Extermination · Mouse & Rodent Control · General Pest Control