What We Do
The Regional Nuisance Mosquito Control Program
provides effective
management of the insects through the depletion of mosquito larvae in an environmentally
friendly manner and to reduce the potential risk of West Nile Virus.
The Regional District administers this ongoing
program on public lands
for local governments in
the area, from Peachland
through Lake Country.
From April through
September, Environmental
Services
Department staff inspect almost 300 known breeding locations throughout the region for
signs of mosquito larvae. If they find an active breeding ground, environmentally
friendly larvicide pellets are seeded into the water, which kills the larvae within
24 hours. The areas are visited weekly to ensure there are no new hatches.
More than 10,000 catch basins in the Electoral Areas, City of Kelowna,
and District's of Lake Country,
Peachland and West
Kelowna are also inspected and
treated as a pre-emptive approach to aid in West Nile Virus prevention.
In 2010, the program
will also include
breeding locations
identified within
Westbank First Nation
reserves.
In 2006, the program was expanded through additional Ministry of Health funding
to include monitoring and treatment of approximately 40 possible breeding sites
on Crown Land within the Central Okanagan. Link to
2008 West Nile Virus Report.
This was not continued
in 2009.
The areas that can be seeded are specifically licensed under Provincial regulations.
For example, staff is not allowed to apply pellets in water that is connected to
fish bearing water. Nor are they allowed under Regional District bylaws to
go onto private property. The Regional District is in contact with public
health officials and those from member municipalities to monitor the breeding conditions.
To report nuisance mosquito areas on public lands please call 250-469-6241. Please
note that this number is to report mosquito problems only on public lands.
RDCO Nuisance Mosquito Control Program Fact Sheet
If you wish to report a dead raven, crow, magpie or jay that doesn't have any
sign of injury or decay, please call 1-866-300-0520. This toll-free
line has been set up by Interior Health to collect dead corvids to be tested for
the presence of West Nile Virus.
What Action Can You Take To Reduce Nuisance Mosquitoes and the risk of West Nile
Virus?
- Containers of water should be emptied or covered. This includes things like rain
barrels, old tires, even saucers under plant pots!
- If you have a birdbath or wading pool you should change the water at least twice
a week.
- If you have a pond, put fish in it so they'll eat the larvae. Install a device
to keep water circulating.
- Drain any areas of standing water. Ensure
eves troughs are clear and that water
doesn't collect in them.
- Water on top of pool covers can be a potential breeding source. By placing
a basketball or some other floating object underneath the cover, water won't gather
on top of the cover.
Useful Information
Links
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