WINNIPEG, MB - July 5, 2012 - Today, the Winnipeg Public Service provided an update on the nuisance mosquito control program.
Nuisance Mosquito Control Program
The Insect Control Branch (ICB), with the help of Winnipeg residents, has managed to be successful so far at minimizing the current adult nuisance mosquito population. The Branch continues an aggressive larviciding program and is reminding Winnipeggers to keep up the good work and empty any standing water on their property.
The aggressive larviciding program, combined with cooler evening temperatures in June, allowed the Insect Control Branch time to treat larval habitats in and around Winnipeg. This process significantly reduced the amount of adult mosquitoes that normally would emerge. The current adult nuisance population of mosquitoes will naturally begin dying over the next seven to 14 days, with no expectation of a large emergence in the meantime. Small emergences of mosquitoes may still be expected over the next seven to 14 days.
The ICB will continue using all resources available. Approximately 160 staff and four helicopters are checking and treating potential larval development sites in Winnipeg and the surrounding 10 kilometre treatment area. Permethrin treatments will continue on selected City of Winnipeg sites.
Adulticiding Factor Analysis
Today, July 5, 2012, the city-wide New Jersey Light Trap count was eight. The Adulticiding Factor Analysis (AFA) rating is MEDIUM. The Insect Control Branch is closely monitoring the AFA conditions as they can change daily. With an AFA of MEDIUM, the Insect Control Branch has been using residual treatments where there are localized emergences of adult mosquito populations on City of Winnipeg property such as parks, cemeteries and right of ways. Residual permethrin treatments, an environmentally friendly product made from the chrysanthemum flower, will be applied directly to localized areas of long grass, bushes and shrubs where adult mosquitoes rest during the day.
The AFA rating, including information on nuisance mosquito trap counts, as well as other AFA factors, is updated daily and is available on the Insect Control website. In order for a nuisance mosquito fogging program to occur, the City of Winnipeg Adult Nuisance Mosquito Control Policy and the provincial Pesticide Use Permit define three conditions that must be met:
- The Adulticiding Factor Analysis which is one city-wide rating must be HIGH; and
- A minimum city-wide trap average count threshold of 25 female mosquitoes for two consecutive nights; and
- One or more of the quadrants of the city are in the range of 100 female adult mosquitoes.
At this time, none of these conditions have been met.
The City's entomologist will be monitoring conditions on a daily basis, and is ready to implement the range of control measures available as nuisance activity and environmental conditions vary.
PLEASE HELP FIGHT THE BITE!
The City is strongly encouraging property owners to also help "Fight the Bite" as approximately 50 percent of standing water sites are located on private property. Homeowners can take one of the following steps to eliminate standing water on their properties:
- Dump It! - containers
- Drain It! - eavestroughing or unused containers
- Cover It! - rain water collection containers
- Fill It! - low-lying areas
- Treat It! - biological larvicide
General Information
Property owners not wanting insecticides applied on or adjacent to their principle residence may register as "Anti-Pesticide Registrants" for adult nuisance mosquito control programs. Those who wish to register must provide identification that ties the registrant to the address being registered for a buffer zone. A photocopy or scanned document like a driver's licence or utility bill will suffice as acceptable identification proving primary residence. There are four options to register: in writing to Insect Control Branch at 3 Grey Street, R2L 1V2, by faxing or e-mailing 311, or in person at 1539 Waverley Street. Please remember a minimum 72-hour turnaround time is required for processing.
Citizens may register for email notification for adult mosquito control programs by visiting the Insect Control website. They can also register for telephone notification by calling 311 and leaving their name, address and phone number. Once registered, residents will receive automated phone or email notification identifying the area(s) of the City in which the Insect Control crews are intending to work, weather permitting.
Interested individuals may acquire more information by contacting 311, or by visiting the City's Insect Control website.