Crews return to treat mosquito control catch basins

While residents continue to take simple steps at home, such as emptying standing water and covering rain barrels, the Regional District of Central Okanagan is also doing its part to reduce mosquito populations.

From July 19 to 23, weather permitting, professionals from Duka Environmental Ltd., contracted by the RDCO, will begin the second round of mosquito control treatments in more than 12,000 roadside catch basins across Central Okanagan neighbourhoods. Wearing high-visibility vests, teams on electric bikes, scooters and marked vehicles will drop water-soluble pouches containing an environmentally approved larvicide into catch basins to target developing mosquito larvae.

The RDCO is asking motorists and cyclists to give crews extra space as they work along curbs and bike lanes.

“Our 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. Residents can support the program by eliminating standing water on their properties,” says Curtis Fediuk, Senior Biologist with Duka Environmental Services Ltd.

Learn more about the program and what you can do to help at rdco.com/mosquitoes. Residents in participating areas can also report mosquito concerns online or by calling Duka Environmental at 1-800-681-3472.

The RDCO provides nuisance mosquito control services in the City of Kelowna, District of Lake Country, District of Peachland, Westbank First Nation, the Sunset Ranch community in the Central Okanagan East Electoral Area, and a small section of West Kelowna Estates in the City of West Kelowna.