Safe Biological Treatment Program underway

With the quick snowmelt and the high creek and lake levels around the City of Cranbrook, efforts are well underway to battle a possible boom in the mosquito population. Early monitoring shows a lot of mosquito larvae activity.

Last week, the city completed its first treatment directed at the mosquitoes in the larval stage, by dropping the granular larvacide Aquabac by helicopter onto sites where larvae have been found. This larvicide contains a naturally occurring bacterium known as Bti, which targets the mosquito larvae, but does not harm birds, mammals, beneficial insects or amphibians. This product is registered for this use in Canada.

Potential mosquito breeding sites will be continually monitored and treated as needed throughout the spring and summer.

The city asks that you please do your part to help us battle these pesky critters. With the high water levels this year, sources of standing water from around your property will have a huge potential for mosquito development. Some places to eliminate standing water include:

– Clogged gutters and ditches;

– Trays under flower pots;

– Outside pets’ dishes;

– Children’s pools and toys;

– Untreated or unmaintained pools or ponds;

– Bird baths and feeders;

– Tarps;

– Canoes / boats;

– Tires.

Residents are encouraged to call the Mosquito Hotline at (250) 421-1294 to report potential mosquito 
development sites or for more information regarding the Mosquito Control Program.

City of Cranbrook

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