Cranbrook, BC (May 25, 2015) – The 2015 City of Cranbrook Mosquito Control Program is now underway.
The Mosquito Control Contractor has been undertaking biological control efforts directed at the mosquitoes in the larval stage.
This is achieved by identifying and monitoring sites where mosquito larvae are present and applying a granular mosquito larvicide, Aquabac.
This larvicide contains a naturally occurring bacterium known as Bti, which targets mosquito larvae, but does not harm birds, mammals, beneficial insects or
amphibians. This product is registered for this use in Canada.
Rainfall, snow melt and rising creek levels in the spring and summer result in the flooding of many low lying areas. Furthermore, standing water in yards, ditches and pools creates ideal conditions for mosquito developments sites.
This year has been relatively dry so far, however, the monitoring to date has indicated very high concentrations of larvae in areas that are still holding water.
We started out this spring, we seen really high concentrations of larvae in even small pockets of water, but we've treated—we've put a buffer—all around the City of Cranbrook now," said Kendra Lewis, the Mosquito Control Program coordinator.
"So everything's been treated, Idlewild all the way up to the Alkalis, up by Echo field, we treat the breakaways at Elizabeth Lake and we treat Pyatt Lake."
Lewis noted that at a site outside of city limits by the BC SPCA location, she was getting 500 larvae in half a cup of water.
"So just to kind of put it in perspective, if we wouldn't have gone out, we'd definitely have a problem this year in Cranbrook," she added.
These mosquito development sites have received a first round of treatment with Aquabac. These sites will be continually monitored and treated throughout the spring and summer.
The city also ask that residents do their part. Effective mosquito control requires the combined the efforts of individual property/homeowners with those of the City of Cranbrook Mosquito Control Program.
With water levels lower than average this year sources of standing water from around your property will have a huge potential for mosquito development.
"Now it's just kind of getting people to be really mindful of what to do in their own backyards with the rain," Lewis continued.
Some places to eliminate standing water include:
• Clogged gutters and ditches
• Trays under flower pots
• Outside pets’ dishes
• Children’s pools and toys
• Untreated or unmaintained pools or ponds
• Bird baths and feeders
• Tarps
• Canoes / boats
• Tires
Residents are encouraged to call the Mosquito Hotline at (250) 421-1294 to report potential mosquito development sites or for more information regarding the Mosquito Control Program.