The city’s favourite bug man provided an update on Winnipeg’s bug battle earlier this morning. City Entomologist Taz Stuart and Surveillance Program Coordinator David Wade addressed media and shared details on both the cankerworm and mosquito situations.
On May 1, the City of Winnipeg said it would begin their seasonal bug battle.
Cankerworms
The City of Winnipeg announced today the commencement of its cankerworm control program. The Insect Control Branch will be targeting trees in parks and on boulevards beginning Sunday evening, May 31. Current surveillance information indicates that the larvae are now beginning to feed on the newly emerged leaves, causing many small holes known as “shot gun hole” damage.
Spraying will occur five nights per week, Sunday to Thursday from 10:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m., weather permitting. The program will last for approximately one month.
The first parks to be treated will be St. Vital Park & Cemetery, Assiniboine Park, Brookside Cemetery, and Kildonan Park.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are still a high priority for the City, as it continues its aggressive larviciding program focusing on areas where additional standing water has accumulated as a result of the recent rainfall. Surveillance data indicates low to high levels of larvae in most standing water sites.
A small emergence of adult spring nuisance species is currently occurring, but the city wide New Jersey Light Trap count average is now at 0.
Individuals wishing to acquire more information on the bug battle, or request a buffer zone around their property, can contact 311 or visit the City’s Insect Control website at Winnipeg.ca/bugline.
