RDOS Helps Reduce the Mosquito Population

Since 1974, the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) Nuisance Mosquito Control Program begins in spring and continues into September. This service is driven by property owner request and operates on private lands only. Owners of regular ongoing sites are contacted annually by mail prior to commencement to allow treatment to take place as soon as, the right conditions occur.

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 Turingiensis Isrealensis (Bt-i) is applied to the water. This bacteria kills mosquito and biting black fly at their larval stage. The larvacide does not kill adult mosquitoes or harm non-target species such as insects, amphibians, reptiles, fish, birds or mammals. When identified sites are too large to treat manually, a helicopter is deployed to achieve adequate coverage.

If you reside 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 1-877-610-3737 ext. 4142 or 250-490-4142.

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 eave troughs and gutters and remove water from any depressions on your roof. Refresh outdoor pet dishes and birdbaths 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 mosquitos.

To register your property, call the Mosquito Control Program Hotline at: (250) 490-4142 For information on mosquitos, brochures, annual reports and more visit the Pest Control webpage

Contacts
Zoe Kirk
Projects Coordinator, Public Works
250-490-4110

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