RDCO steps up mosquito control, urges residents to clear standing water
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With mosquito season now underway, the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) is stepping up its efforts to manage the nuisance insects while asking residents to do their part at home.
Since April, more than 300 known breeding sites across the region have been monitored and treated with a biological larvicide known as Bti, which targets mosquito larvae but is non-toxic to people, pets and other wildlife.
“Our goal is to control developing mosquito populations at their source, which will suppress their numbers and reduce the potential for adult mosquito nuisance and disease transmission, such as West Nile virus,” said Curtis Fediuk, senior biologist with Duka Environmental Services Ltd., the contractor managing the program. “The public is encouraged to participate in program success by managing water sources around their properties and supporting natural mosquito predators like birds, bats and dragonflies.”
From June 16 to 20, crews will treat more than 12,000 roadside catch basins in Kelowna, Lake Country, Peachland, Westbank First Nation, a portion of West Kelowna Estates and the Sunset Ranch area. Staff in high-visibility vests on scooters and e-bikes will drop larvicide pouches into the basins, with a second round of treatment planned for mid-July.
