The leaves are out and so are the mosquitoes. Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health is advising residents that the annual larvicide program to reduce the mosquito population and the risk of West Nile virus has started.
Larvicide will be used in mosquito breeding sites such as roadside ditches, temporary pools, storm-water retention ponds and municipal catch basins. For residents with a municipal catch basin (storm drain) on their property, they can call Public Health at 1-855-220-7022 to request free larvicide treatment.
Last year, Public Health treated 22,255 catch basins with larvicide.
Public Health is also reminding residents to remove standing water from their property to eliminate potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes and reduce the risk of being bitten by a mosquito. Mosquitoes can lay their eggs in a small amount of standing water found in bird baths, eaves and drains, ornamental ponds, swimming pools, wheelbarrows and old tires.
“Please protect your children and yourself from West Nile virus when you are outside and mosquitoes can’t be avoided,” said Dr. Nicola Mercer, medical officer of health and CEO for Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health.
“Wear light coloured, loose fitting clothing that covers your arms and legs. Use a mosquito repellent with DEET and follow the instructions closely.”
DEET is approved for use on children over six months of age.
For more information about product safety visit Health Canada’s website at www.hc-sc.gc.ca
