Nuisance Mosquito Control Program in the South Okanagan and Similkameen Begins Early

RDOS Helps Reduce the Mosquito Population

Since 1974, the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) Nuisance Mosquito Control Program usually begins in mid-May and continues into late August. Each week, the RDOS Mosquito Control Crew tests standing water at identified sites for the presence of mosquito larvae. If the site requires treatment, a granular bacterial larvicide is applied to the water. This natural bacteria kills mosquito and biting black fly at their larval stage but does not kill adult mosquitoes. The product has been found to not harm any other insects, amphibians, reptiles, fish, birds or mammals.

Due to the warm weather, early spring melt, and increased mosquito complaints the RDOS has launched the program earlier this year. If you reside in the RDOS Electoral Areas or municipalities listed below, and have areas of standing water bodies too large to drain on your own, call: RDOS Mosquito Control Program at 1-877-610-3737 x 4142 or 250-490-4142.

Program coverage:
Electoral Areas: “A”,”B”, “C”, “D”, “F”, “G”, and “H” as well as the City of Penticton, District of Summerland, and Towns of Oliver and Osoyoos.

Protect Yourself
At your home be sure to mend screens and reduce sources of standing water on your property. Clean and unclog eaves-troughs and gutters and remove water from any depressions on your roof or driveway. Refresh pet dishes and bird-baths daily. Remove any standing water from items such as tires, pails, tarps, boats, hot-tub and pool covers. Look around your property for anything that can hold water (for 72 hours or more) as it will provide an excellent habitat for mosquitoes. Yard items such as storm water catch basins, ephemeral ponds, standing water in tires, plant pots, small troughs, pool covers, rain barrels, tarps, rain barrels and wading pools are all places that can harbour breeding mosquitos.

Zika Virus Concerns
At this time, the Zika Virus carrying mosquito cannot survive in Canada, and concerns about transmission are focused on Canadians that have travelled to countries affected and human to human transfer. However, the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg has already begun research to determine if it is at all possible that North American insects could become infected with Zika and potentially transmit the virus.