What We Do
The Regional Nuisance Mosquito Control Program
provides effective
management of the insects through
control 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, over 300 known breeding locations throughout the region
are inspected for
signs of mosquito larvae. If active breeding
is found, environmentally
friendly larvicide pellets are
spread into the water, which kills the larvae within
24 hours. The areas are visited to ensure there are no new hatches.
More than 11,000 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.
Since 2010, the program
also includes
breeding locations
identified within Westbank First Nation
reserves.
The areas that can be
treated are specifically licensed under Provincial regulations.
For example, larvacide pellets
are not to be used in water that is connected to
fish bearing water bodies. 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
1-866-679-8473. Please
note that this number is to report mosquito problems only on public lands.
If you wish to report a dead raven, crow, magpie or jay
(Corvid) that doesn't have any
sign of injury or decay, please call 1-866-300-0520
or follow this link to
complete an
ONLINE REPORTING FORM. The 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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