The City of Selkirk began monitoring for mosquitoes on April 15 and a targeted Larviciding Program got underway on April 29.
Monitoring is for all mosquitoes, including West Nile, which the city specifically receives funding for from the province.
Larviciding is the most effective and environmentally acceptable method of mosquito population reduction. Mosquito larvae are concentrated in water sites which make them the most vulnerable stage of the mosquito lifecycle. By targeting larvae in standing water, countless numbers of mosquitoes are killed before they reach the flying adult, biting stage.
Biological larvicide VectoBac is being applied where mosquito larvae are identified. This larvicide can be used in populated areas and is safe for humans and domestic animals.
All pesticide used and procedures applied are in accordance with federally approved label recommendations from the Pest Management Regulatory Agency, Health Canada and the recommendations set by Manitoba Conservation and Climate. Because of the success of the city’s larviciding program, fogging for mosquitoes has not been necessary in many years, apart from the Recreation Complex grounds in advance of the relocated Canada Day event four years ago.
