A mosquito sits on a man’s arm. (Pexels/Supplied)
Winnipeg crews have started their annual larviciding program to keep mosquito numbers from sucking this summer.
“Larviciding is the most effective approach to control mosquitoes,” the city said in a statement. “It targets mosquito larvae in the aquatic stage before they emerge as adult mosquitoes.
“This season’s mosquito control program will continue to be based on an environmentally mindful strategy.”
Crews will use environmentally friendly and target-specific substances to control mosquito larvae, minimizing harm to non-target organisms and the environment. This is sometimes referred to as “biorational larviciding.” Ground equipment and four helicopters will be used in the spraying.
The city will monitor and treat more than 28,000 hectares of water on an ongoing basis, depending on weather conditions, monitor for adult mosquitoes using traps and fog for adult mosquitoes as needed.
“Adult mosquito treatment would only be initiated if the requirements of the City policy, the AFA Guidelines, and the Provincial Pesticide Use Permit are met,” they said, adding that the chemical they will use in this instance will be DeltaGard 20EW®.
Residents who want a buffer zone around their home can apply for one here.
To prevent mosquitoes on private property, people should eliminate standing water and cover water that can’t be drained (like rainwater collection barrels and pools) with tarps.
