Mosquito larvae collected by the Regional District of the Central Okanagan's Mosquito Control Program.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/RDCO
May 23, 2017 - 10:56 AM
KELOWNA - Get out your bug spray, because mosquito season is here.
The wet spring conditions and warmer weather make an ideal breeding ground for mosquito larvae, according to a Regional District media release.
About 200 known breeding locations across the Central Okanagan have been monitored and treated for mosquito larvae since early April by the Regional District Mosquito Control Program, the District says.
Providing all larval mosquito control within participating areas under the Regional District is Duka Environmental Ltd.
“With all the spring rain and flooding in the Central Okanagan, there’s a lot of water sitting around in fields and low-lying areas, which boosts the chances of developing mosquitoes,” Curtis Fediuk, president of Duka Environmental says in press release. “The program doesn’t eliminate the insect rather it helps control nuisance mosquitoes.”
According to Fediuk, the mosquito season peaks around mid-June through the end of July.
Due to cooler temperatures in April, mosquito larva growth is behind. Now that the warmer weather is here, more mosquito larvae will begin to hatch.
“Residents can help join the fight against the bite by removing potential places for mosquitoes to hang out around their properties,” Bruce Smith with the Regional District says. “Remove any standing water sources and unused items that collect water. Just a few millimeters of water is all that’s needed for mosquito larvae to survive and hatch into biting mosquitoes.”
Smith says residents need to get rid of water in unused swimming pools or on swimming pool covers, and to keep water in ponds circulating. He says rain barrels should be covered and water collecting in plant pots or garbage cans should be emptied.
Over 10,000 roadside catch basins will be checked and treated in the coming weeks.
You can report mosquito concerns at 1-800-681-3472 or by filling out an online form at regionaldistrict.com/mosquitoes.
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News from © iNFOnews, 2017