Help Prevent the Nuisance of Mosquitoes | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
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Kelowna News

Help Prevent the Nuisance of Mosquitoes

Image Credit: Contributed

Warmer temperatures may result in an increase in hatching mosquitoes in the Central Okanagan.

While crews have been out since early April monitoring and treating almost 200 known breeding locations for mosquito larvae, residents can also play a part in reducing the likelihood of hatches in and around their properties.

The Regional District operates the Mosquito Control program in the Central Okanagan East and West Electoral Areas, City of Kelowna, District of Lake Country and the West Kelowna Estates area in the District of West Kelowna.

Communications Officer Bruce Smith says, “Property owners can help us fight the bite by minimizing potential breeding locations.  Remove standing water sources and any unused items that collect water such as old tires.  Cover rain barrels with a screen to prevent mosquitoes from laying their eggs in the water.  Drain standing water from saucers under plant pots or garbage cans.  Mosquito larvae can also develop in birdbaths, wading pools or pet bowls, so water should be changed at least two times a week.  Remove water that gathers in unused swimming pools and on swimming pool covers and aerate water in ponds or add fish that will eat mosquito larvae.”

Residents in the participating areas of the program (City of Kelowna, District of Lake Country, Central Okanagan East and West Electoral Areas and a small section of West Kelowna Estates in the District of West Kelowna) can report mosquito concerns by calling 1-866-679-8473.”

BWP Consulting Inc. is contracted to conduct all larval mosquito control within these participating areas of the Regional District.  BWP’s Cheryl Phippen says, “Crews started work earlier than usual this spring treating early snowmelt larval development sites and so far adult mosquito concentrations appear to be at tolerable levels throughout the service area.”  She adds, “People should protect themselves by wearing mosquito repellant containing DEET and light coloured clothing with long sleeves and long pants, especially at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are at their worst.”

The Regional District Mosquito Control program attempts to minimize the impact of mosquitoes including the specific species that are capable of transmitting West Nile Virus as well as those that are known to be significant human nuisance.  This monitoring and treatment is being done in known surface water habitats as well as more than 10,000 roadside catch basins in the participating areas.

There are excellent resources available to help you and your family during the mosquito season.  Visit the Mosquito Control page on the Regional District website regionaldistrict.com/mosquitoes for information about the program.

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