The City of Winnipeg has announced they are already beginning this year's insect control program, which includes environmentally friendly ways of managing pests.

The Mosquito Larviciding program is an effective approach to controlling mosquitos by targeting the larvae in the aquatic stage before they emerge as adult mosquitos.

"Below average winter precipitation and a slow spring melt has resulted in favourable conditions to start the mosquito control season. The mosquito larviciding program has started, targeting the spring mosquitoes that have begun to hatch in standing water in ditches and low-lying areas," says David Wade, Superintendent of Insect Control.

This season’s mosquito control program will continue to be based on an environmentally mindful strategy. Employees working in the Insect Control Branch will carry out the key components of the mosquito control program including:

  • A 100% bio-rational larviciding program using ground equipment and four helicopters
  • Monitoring and treating over 28,000 hectares of water area on an ongoing basis based on weather conditions
  • Monitoring for adult nuisance mosquitoes in New Jersey Light Traps beginning May 4, 2023, with the first trap counts posted on May 8, 2023, on the Insect Control website
  • Adult mosquito treatments will only be initiated when the requirements of the City policy, the AFA Guidelines, and the Provincial Pesticide Use Permit are met. If nuisance mosquito treatment is required, the program will be carried out using DeltaGard 20EW®. Areas with the highest nuisance mosquito populations will be prioritized and 90-meter buffer zones will be respected. A 24-hour public notice will be issued prior to the start of a nuisance treatment program. Daily public notices will also be issued detailing where treatment will occur that night.

Larviciding with helicopters

In accordance with Transport Canada’s Civil Aviation Division, the City’s contractor operates under a low flight waiver which allows the helicopters to apply larvicides at low altitudes. When larviciding is occurring in places where people congregate (e.g. athletic fields, larger parks, golf courses, etc.), public access will be restricted to these areas 20 minutes before and during treatment.

The Insect Control Branch will try to minimize disruption to the public in the areas impacted by posting signage which indicates the date and time of the planned treatment approximately 24 hours in advance of treatment, treating as early as possible in the morning, and using longer-lasting larvicides to limit the number of applications required over the season.

Buffer zones

Property owners not wanting DeltaGard 20EW® applied on or adjacent to their principal residence may register as "Anti-Pesticide Registrants" for the adult nuisance mosquito treatment program. Those who want to register must provide identification that ties the registrant to the address being registered for a buffer zone.

A photocopy or scanned document such as a driver’s licence or utility bill will suffice as acceptable identification proving primary residence. Please remember that a 72-hour turnaround time is required.

Buffer zone application must be received through one of the following options:

How can Winnipeggers do their part?

Property owners are also encouraged to eliminate standing water on their properties by taking one of the following steps:

  • Dump It! - containers
  • Drain It! - eavestroughing or unused containers
  • Cover It! - rainwater collection containers
  • Fill It! - low-lying areas
  • Treat It! - a biological larvicide

The Insect Control Branch offers an automated telephone and email notification system. Residents who register for this service will receive daily phone or email notifications for all adult mosquito control activities. Residents can register for notification online or by contacting 311.

For more information, contact 311or visit the City’s Insect Control website.

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