MOSQUITO CONTROL PROGRAM

West Nile Virus

The West Nile Virus threat is expected to develop again this year and the Province has recently announced the strategy for dealing with the threat.  Extensive mapping of standing water sites throughout the Capital Region has been completed and an extensive larviciding program will be undertaken.  Should conditions warrant, an adult spraying program will be conducted on a cost shared basis between the municipality and the province.  For information on the provincial strategy visit www.gov.mb.ca/health/wnv.

Larvaciding

The Rural Municipality of Headingley contributes towards the Capital Region Mosquito Larviciding Program.  The program is delivered in Headingley by the City of Winnipeg Insect Control Branch.  It includes the application of biological insecticide Vectobac (Bacillus thuringiensis), Dimlin WP(diflubenzuron) and Dursban (chlorpyrifos)chemicals to areas of standing water.  It is considered to be the most effective control of mosquitoes.

Adult Mosquito Control

The RM of Headingley has instituted an adult mosquito control program to supplement the larvaciding program. Fogging will take place periodically using Malathion & Propoxur. Licensed applicators use back pack sprayers operating from service vehicles and on foot in wooded areas to achieve maximum results. Fogging activities begin in the wooded areas 2-3 hours prior to sunset weather permitting. Fogging notices will be posted on this web site and at local mail box sites outlining specific activities. For information on mosquito control, Malathion, and Propoxur, please see the web site http://www.pmra-arla.gc.ca/english/consum/mosquito-e.html. This is the Government of Canada Web Site and is a great source of information on Mosquito Control.

Buffer Zones

Notice of insect control operations are advertised on an annual basis.  Any individuals opposed to the use of insecticides on or adjacent to their residence for the control of insects, may register their opposition with the RM of Headingley.  This notice then exempts the registrant’s home and a 100 m buffer zone adjacent to their property from the control program specified.  In order for the exemption to be adequately processed, notice must be received at least three working days prior to the start of the insect control program.

BACKYARD MOSQUITO CONTROL

Remove or empty small water containers                   

Cut tall grass and weeds which harbour adult mosquitoes

Cover or empty large water containers                       

Fill in low lying areas where water accumulates

Change pet water regularly            

Chlorinate pools

Flush bird baths

Repair leaky outdoor faucets

Store tires indoors

Keep eavestroughs free of debris                         

Cover rain barrels with tight fitting screens

Turn canoes over and cover boats

For additional information on mosquito or other insect control the City of Winnipeg site http://www.winnipeg.ca/cms/bugline/mosquitoes/trapcounts.stm

is an excellent source.

August 2008