City crews in Winnipeg have started their annual mosquito control efforts to combat the pesky insects that plague residents during the summer months. Helicopters and ground crews are applying larvicide to large areas, targeting ditches and other standing water sources where mosquitoes breed. The city is also planning to use drones for more precise applications, following a pilot project from 2023 that focused on areas in city golf courses.
Due to low precipitation and the city’s insect control program, mosquitoes have been kept at bay in recent years. Even though conditions are similar to last year, crews do not have to wait for more rain to begin applying larvicide. The larvicide will remain on the ground until the next significant rainfall event, which will activate it and help control the mosquito population. Fogging, which targets adult mosquitoes, is carried out based on the city’s Adult Mosquito Control Policy, taking into account factors such as precipitation, mosquito life cycle, and population.
The city uses DeltaGard 20EW for fogging, replacing malathion in 2017 due to health concerns related to an aged supply that was being used. Residents can apply for their residence to be omitted during fogging by requesting a buffer zone through the city. Additionally, the city is urging residents to empty and drain any standing water on their properties to help reduce mosquito breeding grounds. Overall, the city is taking a proactive approach to mosquito control to ensure a more enjoyable summer for Winnipeggers.
In addition to larvicide and fogging, the city is expanding its mosquito control efforts by implementing drones for more targeted applications. The use of drones will allow for more precise and efficient treatment of smaller areas where mosquitoes breed, such as golf courses. By starting the drone project earlier in the season, the city hopes to gather more data to evaluate its effectiveness and potentially incorporate it as a regular part of their insect control program.
Wade emphasized the importance of the drone project, stating that it was hindered last year due to lack of rain, leading to insufficient data for evaluation. By utilizing drones, the city aims to enhance its mosquito control measures and further reduce the mosquito population in Winnipeg. With a proactive approach that includes multiple methods of control such as larvicide, fogging, and now drones, the city is determined to make summer more enjoyable for residents by keeping the pesky mosquitoes at bay.
Residents are encouraged to cooperate with the city’s mosquito control efforts by applying for buffer zones during fogging and eliminating standing water on their properties. By working together with city crews and following these guidelines, Winnipeggers can help reduce the mosquito population and enjoy a more pleasant summer experience. The city’s ongoing efforts to combat mosquitoes demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding public health and enhancing the quality of life for residents during the summer months.
