Mosquito control

About the program

The Regional Nuisance Mosquito Control Program provides effective management of the insects through control of mosquito larvae in an environmentally-friendly manner and to reduce the potential risk of West Nile Virus or other mosquito transmitted disease. The program is designed to control mosquitos, not eliminate them.

The Regional District administers this ongoing program on public lands in:

Kelowna
Lake Country
Peachland
Westbank First Nation
Central Okanagan East Electoral Area
Small area of West Kelowna Estates in the City of West Kelowna

How it works

From April through September, known breeding locations throughout the participating areas of the region are inspected for signs of mosquito larvae. Duka Environmental Services helps to provide mosquito control services. Staff regularly sample over 300 known mosquito development sites. During late June and July, the program also controls larval development by monitoring, and if necessary treating approximately 12,000 roadside catch basins located along public roadways and residential streets. These are treated by technicians using scooters.

If active breeding is found, environmentally-friendly larvicide pellets are spread into the water, which kills the larvae within 24 hours. The areas are visited regularly to ensure there are no new hatches.

The areas that can be treated are specifically licensed under Provincial regulations. The Regional District is in contact with public health officials and those from member municipalities to monitor the breeding conditions.

Report a problem

Report a nuisance mosquito area:

Call Duka Environmental Services at 1-800-681-3472
Fill out an online service request form

Actions you can take to reduce nuisance mosquitoes

Outside containers of water should be emptied or covered. This includes things like rain barrels, old tires and even saucers under plant pots
If you have a birdbath or wading pool you should change the water at least twice a week
If you have a pond, put fish in it so they'll eat the larvae and install a device to keep water circulating
Drain all areas of standing water. Ensure eves troughs are clear and that water doesn't collect in them
Water on top of pool covers can be a potential breeding source. Try placing a basketball or some other floating object underneath the cover so that water won't gather on top of the cover
Ensure your screens snuggly fit into door and window frames and replace if there are holes or tears

Reduce mosquito bites

Wear light-coloured long-sleeve shirts, long pants and a hat - dark colours attract mosquitoes
Use mosquito repellent containing DEET or appropriate alternatives and follow label directions