North Battleford providing tips during heavy mosquito season

The City of North Battleford is advising residents of some tips to keep the mosquitos away, as this summer may see above-average numbers in the area.

Heavy rainfalls and flooding on the North Saskatchewan River have created more standing water in the City and the River Valley, which is a prime breeding ground for mosquitos. Residents can help cut down on the population by getting rid of standing water on their own properties, cleaning plugged eaves troughs, covering exposed rain barrels and removing birdbaths during mosquito season. They also recommend making sure all windows or doors are tight-fitting and properly screened.

People can also keep mosquitos off them by wearing light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and pants, and using bug nets on baby playpens or strollers. Insect repellant with DEET is also an option,  but not to be used for kids under six months old. 

The City has also begun its mosquito larvicide program using Vectobac. They use this instead of spraying or fogging, which they say is less effective and also kills pollinators like bees and butterflies, as well as predators for mosquitos like dragonflies. Vectobac uses the biological control agent found naturally in soils and kills blackfly and mosquito larvae during the spore-forming stage. 

This product is applied to standing water every Wednesday during the Spring and Summer, and the City says it is the most effective, safe and ecologically responsible method of mosquito control.