Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) and BWP Consulting Inc., TNRD mosquito control contractor, have been busier than usual lately due to the flooding events.
“Due to the amount of water that has been seen from rain and snowmelt, there is significantly more standing water than usual, which means more mosquito habitat,” says Cheryl Phippen from BWP. “Now that we are expecting warmer
temperatures, adult mosquitoes will start to emerge. Crews will continue to work diligently to search for larvae and to
treat as much habitat as possible.”
Extensive larval development sites in Logan Lake, Pinantan, Knutsford, Paul Lake, Vinsulla, Blackpool,
Clearwater, McLure, and throughout the City of Kamloops have been treated to date.
Last week, in response to a small peak of the North Thompson River, a helicopter treatment was conducted to treat mosquito larvae in flooded habitats between Darfield and Kamloops.
Currently, both the North and South Thompson rivers are rapidly rising and the mid and high elevation snowpack has yet to melt.
Significant flooding and the creation of considerable mosquito habitat from Vavenby to Kamloops along the North Thompson River, and from Chase to Kamloops along the South Thompson River, is expected.
Crews, which began field operations in mid-April, will continue to monitor larval development in the 320 known development habitats, and will treat mosquito larvae when they are present.
For further information about the Mosquito Control Program or to report potential mosquito habitat visit tnrd.ca or call the TNRD Mosquito Advisory Line at 250-372-5700.
