Mosquito Control Information - How can I reduce mosquitoes?     

In Your Own Backyard

By taking some preventative measures on your own property, you will notice an impact on the mosquito population. Here are our recommendations on how you can decrease these pesky bugs.

Eliminate Standing Water

In the span of four days several hundred mosquitoes can develop in only a quarter of an inch of calm water. By taking away this water you will take away mosquito’s habitat, therefore prevent them from populating.

Here are tips on how to eliminate standing water:

• Empty, turn over or remove anything that can hold water for a week or longer.
• Drain eaves troughs or unused containers.
• Keep eaves troughs free of debris so that water cannot collect in them.
• Cover rainwater collection containers.
• Fill in low-lying areas where water accumulates.
• Store children’s toys, that have potential to collect water, inside when not in use.
• Clean and change bird baths weekly.
• Install a circulating pump in your ornamental pond.
• Ensure drains are functioning properly on a flat roof.
• Remove old tires or store them indoors so that they cannot collect water.
• Clean and remove accumulated water from pool covers.

Use a large fan on your patio

Use a fan to create a barrier against mosquitoes: They can’t fly if it’s windy. Putting a fan up to create a breeze helps keep them at bay without chemicals.

Put a Bat Box in Your Yard

Bats eat a large number of flying insects and are the main nighttime predator of mosquitoes. A single bat can eat between 600 and 1,200 mosquitoes an hour. Entice bats into your yard by providing them with a home.

You can build your own bat box or buy one at the Rocky View County administrative building for $30.

CO² Traps

Mosquitos are attracted to CO². You may want to consider purchasing a CO² trap from a local hardware store or online.

Don't Get Bit!

Mosquitoes have the potential to ruin a nice summer evening! Here are some tips that you can do to protect yourself, indoors and outdoors, against the tiny annoyances:

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants that are loose fitting. The loose clothing provides 'depth' so that mosquitoes cannot reach the skin to bite.
• Apply an insect repellent that contains DEET. (DEET is not recommended for children under the age of 6 months.) Always follow label instructions and take special care when applying to children. (See Health Canada information on DEET.)
• Reduce outdoor activity where mosquitoes are abundant and active. This will be in heavily vegetated areas and on days that are calm and humid, particularly near sunrise and sunset.
• Make sure all doors and windows fit properly and have tight-fitting, fine-mesh screens.
• Make sure all your door and window screens are in good shape. Use screened windows and doors as opposed to wide open ones that allow insects (including mosquitoes) to enter.
• Cover baby carriages and strollers with fine mesh netting to protect infants.

What is Larvaciding?

Larvaciding is the most efficient and effective means of controlling mosquitoes through targeted means. Mosquito larvae are concentrated at water surfaces, which make them at the most vulnerable stage of the mosquito life cycle. By targeting mosquito larvae, we are reducing the future presence of high adult mosquito populations.

• Treatments involve the direct application of biologically based larvicide. It will be applied to pools of standing water where mosquitoes lay their eggs.
• The application kills the mosquito larvae while having little or no impact on other life forms.
• Certified applicators will administer larvacide to identify standing water locations on public property such as drainage ditches and swales.

It is important to note that this program will not eradicate all mosquitoes. It is meant to help reduce the numbers. Application of larvacide is only one component in the program. Everyone must make an effort to reduce standing water in their yards.

Sources: Rockyview County