The City of Red Deer is trying to help take the sting out of summer.
Substantial rainfall early in June has created prime mosquito conditions in the city and surrounding areas so there’s potential for an increase in mosquitoes over the next few weeks as adult mosquitoes emerge.
“We’ve been spoiled the last few years because it’s been so dry. It’s going to be closer to normal conditions,” said Ken Lehman, city parks ecological and planning specialist, about the mosquito population.
As of June 23 across the nation, Health Canada reported no cases of West Nile virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes and can be fatal. The growing population is not considered a health risk, he said.
“It’s a nuisance thing.”
City staff will continue mosquito monitoring and has been doing more larval treatment in ditches and on the edge of wetlands and grassy areas that haven’t been wet for a few years to control populations.
Healthy wetlands already have beetles and dragonflies feasting on mosquitoes.
Workers apply BTi (bacillus thuringiensis israelensis), a larvae-destroying bacteria, that is non-toxic to other beneficial aquatic organisms. This product has no detrimental effects on birds, mammals, fish or other animals.
Staff treat areas close to the city, but it’s a regional issue and not all places treat for mosquitoes, he said.
“Adults are moving in from everywhere.”
Residents should take personal protective measures like using repellent containing DEET, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants at dusk and dawn, and avoiding low-lying areas of high humidity.
Homeowners should also cover rain barrels with screens or empty them regularly and discard unused containers that collect water.
For more mosquito prevention tips visit the city website at www.reddeer.ca.
szielinski@www.reddeeradvocate.com