Innovative mosquito control pilot project takes flight this summer

Released: July 28, 2023 at 1:07 p.m.

Winnipeg, MB – The City of Winnipeg is launching a pilot project this summer to test the use of a drone for mosquito control operations.

With helicopters, vehicles, and on foot, our larviciding program targets mosquitos before they hatch to help reduce the insect’s populations. Mosquito habitats are sometimes difficult to get to, which is why we’re testing the use of a drone this summer.

As part of the pilot project, a drone measuring one meter in diameter and operated by contracted professionals from Manitoba-based ROGA Drone, will conduct larviciding at six golf courses throughout the city.

The drone has the potential to improve the efficiency of larviciding in remote and challenging areas, is quieter than a helicopter, can be operated at night, and is very maneuverable.

Larviciding is the largest component of the City’s insect control program. It prevents the mosquitoes from ever reaching the adult, biting stage. It is the most effective and environmentally acceptable method of mosquito population reduction.

With the potential for improved efficiency, environmental benefits, and cost savings, the use of drones for larviciding will be evaluated to determine if there is merit to potentially expand the drone program in the future.

"The pilot project is an exciting opportunity to test an innovative larviciding method that could improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our mosquito control program,” said David Wade, Superintendent of the Insect Control Branch. “We’re hoping that the drone, in combination with our other efforts, will allow us to larvicide more effectively so that we can minimize the amount of adult nuisance mosquitos."

With a budget of $10,000, the pilot program will begin in the coming days to target newly formed mosquito breeding sites at the following golf courses:

  • Kildonan Park Golf Course
  • Crescent Drive Golf Course
  • Windsor Park Golf Course
  • Harbour View Golf Course
  • Rossmere Golf & Country Club
  • Tuxedo Golf Course

For more information about the City’s mosquito control program, see: winnipeg.ca/insectcontrol.

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