WINNIPEG - May 8, 2008 – The Insect Control Branch is continuing its larviciding program in Winnipeg and the surrounding 10 km treatment area. The cooler, drier weather has enabled helicopter and ground crews to make significant progress. By the end of this week all sites within Winnipeg requiring treatment will have been larvicided for the first time this year.

The AFA (Adulticiding Factor Analysis Guideline) continues to be low. Surveillance data indicates low levels of larvae in standing water sites. Monitoring of adult nuisance mosquitoes using the New Jersey Light Traps began May 1st. In the next 7-10 days, the Insect Control Branch anticipates only a small emergence of spring nuisance mosquitoes. Trap count data can be viewed at the Insect Control website at Winnipeg.ca/bugline.

The Branch is also preparing for a cankerworm control program for boulevard trees and city parks which will start in late May or early June, weather dependent. Over the next few weeks, surveillance data will be captured to give a more accurate indication of the magnitude of the population that will hatch. Areas of the city which have been extensively banded should experience less defoliation than areas where banding was less prevalent. It is now too late to carry out any further banding of your trees this spring, as the majority of moths have already climbed the tree and laid their eggs in the crown of the tree. Banding of trees needs to occur in mid April or before the first significant thaw to control spring cankerworm populations.

Property owners not wanting insecticides applied on or adjacent to their principle residence may register as “Buffer Zone Registrants” for both the cankerworm and/or adult mosquito control. Those who wish to register may contact the Insect Control Branch in writing at 3 Grey Street R2L 1V2, by faxing it to 311 or on our convenient on-line registration at Winnipeg.ca/bugline. A minimum 48-hour turnaround time is required for processing so residents are encouraged to begin registering now for the 2008 season, in the event that cankerworm control or mosquito fogging is required. Interested individuals may acquire more information by contacting the City’s Bugline at 311 Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or by visiting the City’s Insect Control website at Winnipeg.ca/bugline.