The localized high water levels are expected to produce mosquitoes in the upcoming weeks.
When rising water moves into low-lying areas around river corridors it comes in contact with mosquito eggs that have been laid in previous seasons. This triggers the mosquito development cycle.
The Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD) has been preparing since early April by monitoring and treating areas known to produce nuisance mosquitoes. All sites are being treated with a bacterial agent that is non-toxic to humans and is designed to specifically target a mosquito in its larval stage before it can fly.
Crews have launched widespread hand and helicopter treatments of sites, covering more than 600 hectares of land around the Fraser River to date, and will continue throughout the upcoming months.
The FVRD does not conduct fogging or spraying of chemicals that kill flying (adult) mosquitoes.
Here are some ways to reduce mosquitoes around your property, and ways to limit bites:
• Apply insect repellent containing DEET according to label instructions when outdoors.
• Wear shoes, socks and long-sleeved, light-coloured, loose-fitting shirts and pants when outdoors.
• Avoid mosquito-laden areas at dawn and dusk.
• Install tight-fitting screens on doors and windows.
• Eliminate or regularly change water in saucers under flower pots, in bird baths, old tires, pet dishes, gutters, pool covers, trampolines, tarps and other areas where rainwater may collect.
• Swimming pools should be properly maintained and chlorinated and wading pools should be emptied and turned over when not in use.
• Use fine mesh to cover rain barrels and containers that cannot be dumped.
For updates on river levels and mosquito activity, residents are encouraged to follow the FVRD’s mosquito control contractor on Twitter @morrowmosquito or find them on Facebook: facebook.com/morrowmosquito.
For other questions, call the FVRD’s Mosquito Control Hotline at 1-888-733-2333 or e-mail the FVRD at mosquitoes@fvrd.bc.ca.
For health related questions, please call 1-888-968-5463 or visit www.fraserhealth.ca.
