The steps being taken by the city to control Winnipeg’s mosquito population

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Winnipeg has started its annual program to control the mosquito population.

The city announced Thursday that its larviciding program started last week. This involves the city using four helicopters and ground crews to go around the city treating needed areas.

David Wade, the superintendent of the insect control branch with the city, said this is the normal start time for crews, but noted recent weather has impacted the mosquitoes.

“With the weather conditions, it’s slower progress on the larval development and because of the lack of rain, there’s been fewer sites to treat,” said Wade.

The city uses a combination of biorational products to deal with mosquito larvae – methoprene and BTi.

Wade said BTI is a bacteria that only targets mosquito larvae, while the methoprene is a growth hormone that prevents larvae from becoming adults.

Currently, the city’s average for adult mosquitoes is one, with the trap count in each quadrant of the city averaging one.

With rain in the forecast over the next couple of weeks, Wade said the city is keeping an eye on the conditions.

“We just wait and see how much rain we get, how intense the rain is as well. I mean, it’s been dry, so the ground can absorb quite a bit of it. But it depends on how much and how quickly it comes down.”

If adult mosquitoes become more of an issue as the summer continues, the city will use a DeltaGard spray to combat the insects.

Winnipeggers can apply to have a buffer zone around their property, which would ensure the DeltaGard is not sprayed within 90 metres.

To apply for a buffer zone, people can fax 311, send a letter to the insect control branch or go in person to 1539 Waverley St.

All applications must contain the letter and photo ID linking to the buffer zone address.

Residents are also asked to do their part to prevent mosquitoes from popping up. This includes draining water from eavestroughs or unused containers, dumping any standing water, and covering rain barrels and large pools.