RDOS Helps Reduce the Mosquito Population

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) Nuisance Mosquito Control Program is a service driven by a property owner request that begins in spring and continues into September, operating on private lands only. Property owners with existing treatment sites are contacted by mail in early spring to ensure that monitoring and treatment can occur as soon as larvae are observed.

The RDOS Mosquito Control Crew samples standing water at identified sites throughout the region for the presence of mosquito larvae.  If the site requires treatment, a naturally occurring granular bacterial larvicide called Bacillus Thuringiensis Isrealensis (Bti) is applied to the water. This bacteria kills mosquito and biting black fly at their larval stage but does not kill adult mosquitoes or harm non-target species: insects, amphibians, reptiles, fish, birds or mammals.   When water bodies get too large to treat manually, a helicopter is deployed to ensure adequate coverage.

If you live in the RDOS Electoral Areas or municipalities listed below, are not registered with the program and have areas of standing, stagnant water bodies too large to drain on your own, call the RDOS Mosquito Control Program at 250-490-4142 or toll-free at 1-877-610-3737 ext. 4142.

Program coverage

Electoral Areas: “A”,”B”, “C”, “D”, “F”,“G”,“H” and “I” as well as the City of Penticton, District of Summerland, and Towns of Oliver and Osoyoos.

Be Proactive – protect yourself and your property

Around Home: Be sure to mend screens, clean and unclog eaves troughs and gutters and remove water from any depressions on your roof. Refresh outdoor pet dishes and bird-baths daily.  Remove any standing water from items such as pails, boats, hot-tub and pool covers, tires, plant pots, small troughs, rain barrels, and tarps.

On Property: Inspect your property for anything that can hold 1” of water (for 72 hours or more) as it will provide an excellent habitat for developing mosquitoes. Storm water catch basins, ephemeral ponds and wading pools are all places that can harbour breeding mosquitoes.

If you have any questions, call the Mosquito Control Hotline at: (250) 490-4142

For information on mosquitoes, brochures, annual reports and more visit the RDOS Pest Control webpage.

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Mark Pendergraft, Chair
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen

Contacts

Erick Thompson                   Andrea Rendall                    RDOS Toll Free
RDOS Communications      RDOS Communications      1-877-610-3737
250-490-4211                        250-490-4147