Halton to begin pesticide spraying to reduce the risk of West Nile virus

Mosquito season has is nearly here, and precautionary steps are in the works.

Halton Region Public Health is ready to begin their annual mosquito larviciding program, which – under the direction of Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deepika Lobo – runs from May 13 to Oct. 31 across the region’s four municipalities.

The measure is being taken to curb the risk of West Nile virus, a mosquito-transmitted disease found in the wild bird population that can be passed on to humans.

While studies show 80 per cent of people infected with WNV show no symptoms, severe illness can occur, particularly in the elderly or those with weakened immune systems.

The VectoBack 200G larvicide will be applied to affected standing water on public lands in urban areas, where monitoring indicates mosquito larvae are present. Signs will be posted at each location notified residents when and where the larvicide has been applied.

Where larvae are found present, the larvicide Altosid Pellets, Altoside XR Briquets or Vectolex WSP will be placed by hand into catch basins.

These will be applied by applicators or technicians licensed by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks.

Residents can protect themselves from WNV by taking the following measures.

• wearing long-sleeve clothing when going out from dusk to dawn, especially around parks, greenspaces and bodies of water.
• use an approved insect repellent, such as DEET or Icaridin.
• remove standing water from around your home.
• change the water in your bird bath regularly, at least once a week.
• maintain a clean swimming pool
• make sure your windows and screen doors are tightly sealed

For more information on WNV and the larviciding program, visit halton.ca.