Mosquito season is far from over in the Central Okanagan, and the regional district is stepping up its efforts to keep the buzzing pests under control.
From July 19 to 23, weather permitting, crews from Duka Environmental Ltd. will be out treating more than 12,000 roadside catch basins with a larvicide that targets mosquito larvae before they become adults. The company is under contract with the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO).
Workers wearing high-visibility vests will be using electric bikes, scooters and marked vehicles to drop water-soluble pouches into catch basins throughout the region鈥檚 neighbourhoods.
鈥淥ur aim is to target mosquitoes where they start, helping to keep populations low and reduce the risk of nuisance and disease transmission, including West Nile virus,鈥� explained Curtis Fediuk, Senior Biologist with Duka Environmental Services Ltd.
The RDCO is asking drivers and cyclists to be extra cautious and give crews plenty of space as they work along curbs and in bike lanes.
While crews handle public areas, residents are encouraged to do their part at home by getting rid of standing water, covering rain barrels and cleaning out eavestroughs.
鈥淩esidents can support the program by eliminating standing water on their properties,鈥� Fediuk adds.
The RDCO鈥檚 mosquito control services cover the City of 麻豆AV, District of Lake Country, District of Peachland, Westbank First Nation, the Sunset Ranch community in Central Okanagan East, and a small part of West 麻豆AV Estates.
To learn more or report a mosquito concern, or call Duka Environmental at 1-800-681-3472.
