REGIONAL DISTRICT OF OKANAGAN-SIMILKAMEEN

RECYCLE TIRES TO FIGHT WEST NILE VIRUS

In an effort to help residents reduce mosquito habitat on their properties, the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) Mosquito Control crew will be collecting car and truck tires from homes until the beginning of September. Residents in the RDOS or on local Indian Band land can phone or e-mail using the contact information below. Residents must leave their address, contact information, location of tires, and number of
tires.

Old tires are an ideal mosquito habitat that accumulates warm, stagnant water that doesn’t evaporate quickly. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in this water and the tires provide the larvae with ideal heat and debris for development.

Erica Kroeker, with the RDOS Mosquito Program, urges everyone to look at their property and either remove or regularly clean out anything that can hold water. Mosquitoes only need a teaspoon of water to breed in. Reducing warm, stagnant pools will reduce the population of mosquitoes that can carry the West Nile Virus.

In the summer, mosquitos that can carry West Nile virus emerge explains Kroeker. These mosquitoes don’t come in the huge swarms like the nuisance spring mosquitoes and people often become complacent. Removing items that collect water around your property and continuing to practice personal protection throughout the summer helps to prevent West Nile virus infection.

The RDOS Mosquito Control Program will be collecting tires from residents free of charge. All tires will be delivered to a local landfill for recycling.

In BC there is a free take back program for clean light truck and car tires.
Most tire retailers (check with the store) will take back 4 clean light truck or
car tires per customer. The Campbell Mountain, Oliver, Princeton, Okanagan
Falls and Keremeos Landfills will accept clean light truck and car tires. All
the tires must be reasonably free of mud, rocks and dirt. Only car or light
truck tires will be accepted for free while oversized tires will be charged. For
drop off locations near you or information about the take back program
please visit www.tirestewardshipbc.ca