Update on Insect Control Branch programs

Released: May 19, 2015 at 1:09 p.m.
Winnipeggers encouraged to help �Fight the Bite�: Dump It! Drain It! Cover It! Fill It! Treat It!

Winnipeg, MB - Today, the Winnipeg Public Service provided an update on insect control activities.

Mosquito Control Program
The Insect Control Branch continues an aggressive larviciding program and is reminding Winnipeggers to do their part and empty any standing water on their property.

The Insect Control Branch had a successful spring larviciding program. Spring adult nuisance mosquitoes have emerged in very small numbers.

With the recent significant rains over the last 10 days, the summer nuisance mosquito species have hatched in the water. With the forecast of continuing normal temperatures and chances of rain, the first generation of summer adult nuisance mosquitoes will begin to appear in the next 7 to 10 days, weather dependent.

The City is strongly encouraging property owners to also help �Fight the Bite� as approximately 50 per cent 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

The Insect Control Branch's aggressive larviciding program will continue using all resources to check and treat approximately 30,000 hectares of potential larval development sites in Winnipeg and the surrounding 10 kilometre treatment area, to reduce the potential for the emergence of a small adult nuisance mosquito population. The Superintendent of Insect Control 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.

The most recent city-wide New Jersey Light Trap count was 0. Currently, the Adulticiding Factor Analysis (AFA) rating remains at Low. The Insect Control Branch is closely monitoring the AFA conditions daily, and will change the level as the factors that make up the AFA vary.

Citizens may have noticed midges flying around. Midges are non-biting flies that resemble mosquitoes. They are similar in size and general appearance and tend to swarm like mosquitoes. If you are seeing swarms of what appears to be mosquitoes but you are not being bitten, they are likely just midges.

Forest Tent Caterpillar
Current surveillance information indicates that most areas of the City will have minimal damage. The forest tent caterpillar larvae are feeding on the leaves, causing small holes known as �shot hole� damage in localized areas, including boulevards, cemeteries and parks within the City. Monitoring of the tree canopy will continue on a daily basis and if the damage becomes more severe, a control program will be implemented. A 24 hour public notice will be provided in advance of the program.

Forest tent caterpillars are usually found on the foliage of the large stands of American Elm, Manitoba Maple, Green Ash, and ornamental trees, the preferred host for the forest tent caterpillars.

If treatment is required, the Insect Control Branch will be utilizing Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk), a biological, organic product, which is sprayed from high pressure tree sprayers directly onto the foliage of the trees. Once Btk is ingested by forest tent caterpillars, they stop feeding and die approximately two to three days later.

Homeowners are responsible for forest tent caterpillar control on their property
Citizens can spray their own trees with Btk, which is available at most home and garden centres or they can contract a tree spraying company by referring to the Yellow Pages under tree service or exterminators.

Homeowners are reminded to remove tree bands
Please remember to remove any tree bands as the band will damage the bark of the tree if left on throughout the summer.

Buffer Zones
Property owners not wanting insecticides applied on or adjacent to their principal residence may register as �Anti-Pesticide Registrants� for both forest tent caterpillar and/or 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 different options to register:

  • In writing to Insect Control Branch at 3 Grey Street, Winnipeg, MB R2L 1V2,
  • Emailing 311 at
  • Faxing 311, and
  • In person at 1539 Waverley Street.

Email Notification
Citizens may register for email notification regarding adult mosquito and/or forest tent caterpillar 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.

More Information
For more information contact 311, or visit the City's Insect Control website.

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