Winnipeg kicks off mosquito larviciding campaign

Winnipeg's annual campaign to control its mosquito population ahead of the summer is now underway.

Work to proactively control mosquito larvae started this week, the city said in a news release Wednesday 

Four helicopters and crews using ground equipment will be deployed as part of the larviciding program, which targets the pesky creatures before they emerge from water as adults.

Areas where there are public gatherings, like parks and sports fields, will be closed off to the public 20 minutes before larviciding and reopen 20 minutes after the work is done.

Adult mosquito control will be done as required based on government guidelines, the city said. It will prioritize areas where mosquitoes present the highest nuisance and respect any buffer zones.

People will be notified 24 hours ahead of any fogging, with daily updates on where treatments are happening, the release said.

Residents can apply for a buffer zone adjacent to their principal residence online, by mail, by fax or in person by visiting 1539 Waverley St. A minimum 72-hour turnaround time is required.

The annual mosquito control campaign includes monitoring and treating of over 28,000 hectares of water.

The first trap count of adult mosquitoes this season will be posted on the city's online insect control portal Thursday.