The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) will soon begin mosquito control work in the Wasa, Ta Ta Creek and Skookumchuck areas.
RDEK officials said its contractor, Morrow BioScience Ltd., will use a biological larvicide to eradicate the insects before they enter their adult phase.
Aquabac uses the active ingredient bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti), which is a soil-borne bacterium that targets mosquito larvae.
“Bti is safe and causes no harm to people, honeybees, animals, fish, birds, or other aquatic life. It can be applied safely to standing water without causing harm or impacts to food crops or water supply,” said RDEK officials.
Bti has an 85 to 100 per cent efficacy rate within 48 hours of being consumed by the larvae.
The RDEK said this time of year is the ideal time to eliminate as many mosquito larvae as possible.
“Mosquito eggs in the area hatch in the water when local Kootenay River levels increase and peak in the spring/early summer,” said the RDEK. “Mosquito larvae live approximately 7-10 days in the water column before becoming pupae.”
RDEK officials said the Mosquito Control Service Area focuses on development habitats along the Kootenay River and any other low-lying fields that flood with high water levels.
Residents can also play a role in controlling mosquito populations before they develop.
“The best way to stop mosquitoes before they start is to remove all sources of standing water from around your home,” said RDEK officials. “Remove or refresh any standing water around your home including in gutters, kiddie pools, old tires, bird baths, outdoor pet water, etc.”
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