The Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD) is working to reduce summer's least favourite visitor.
Mosquito control in the Fraser Valley focuses on the largest source of mosquitoes in the region – those that hatch along the Fraser River corridor as river levels start to rise. The FVRD’s contractor, Morrow Bioscience Ltd., has already started to monitor, map, and treat mosquito breeding sites, and will continue to do so throughout the season, said FVRD.
As part of the the FVRD’s annual Nuisance Mosquito Control Program, floodwater sites are treated with a non-toxic bacterial larvacide that specifically targets the mosquito in its larval stage before it can fly. This bacterial larvacide is an effective and environmentally-friendly method of controlling nuisance mosquitoes without harming other species. The FVRD does not conduct fogging or spraying of chemicals that kill flying adult mosquitoes.
While the program is effective at reducing mosquito populations across the region, residents are encouraged to help out by reducing mosquito breeding sites near their homes:
• check for and eliminate sources of standing water such as saucers under flower pots, bird baths, old tires, pet dishes, gutters, pool covers, trampolines, tarps, etc.;
• maintain and chlorinate swimming pools;
• empty and turn over kiddie pools when not in use;
• cover rain barrels with fine mesh.
For mosquito control inquiries or to report mosquito breeding sites within the Fraser River corridor, 1-888-733-2333 or send an email to mosquitoes@fvrd.bc.ca. Residents can also stay informed of mosquito treatment by following Morrow Bioscience on Twitter (@morrowmosquito) or on Facebook (facebook/com/morrowmosquito).