While the mild temperatures favor the development of insect pests, the city of Regina has decided to launch its annual mosquito control program. According to the municipality, the program, which will last 125 days, will control the population of these biting insects.

The city uses a Health Canada-approved biologic, VectoBac, to treat water bodies in and around Regina.

The product is applied to the water so that the mosquito larvae feed on it and die before they reach adulthood. According to the city, this treatment kills mosquito larvae within 24 hours but is safe for birds and aquatic life.

According to Russell Eirich, the city’s field manager, the number of mosquitoes depends on weather conditions.

” It’s early May, the nights are cool and there isn’t much mosquito activity, but as we approach May and the month of June begins we see these numbers increasing. I think that the peak of mosquito activity is traditionally seen at the end of July. »

The city says it has placed 12 traps at key locations in Regina to monitor mosquito populations.

It really depends on summer rainfall. The spring melt was normal. We will therefore observe a slight increase in mosquitoes over the next few weeks.warns Russell Eirich.

Mosquitoes thrive in stagnant water; As such, the city recommends brushing up on birdbaths and using pesticide-free mosquito control methods at home.

Regina will monitor mosquito numbers and submit a weekly report to the city health department. City website (New window) contains more information about the weekly counting program and the results.

With information from Sarah Onyango