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
in Kelowna, Lake Country
and the Central Okanagan
East and West Electoral
Areas and a small area
of West Kelowna Estates
in the District of West
Kelowna.
From April through
September, known breeding locations throughout the
participating areas of
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.
Roadside catch basins in
the Electoral Areas,
City of Kelowna and
District of Lake Country are also inspected and
treated as a pre-emptive approach to aid in West Nile Virus prevention.
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 follow this link to
complete an
ONLINE REPORTING FORM.
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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