Above watch: The City of Moncton has begun its mosquito control program, aiming it at breeding hotspots around the Petitcodiac River. Brion Robinson reports.
MONCTON – The Greater Moncton Pest Control Commission is keeping a watchful eye on the weather over the next few weeks because it could have a big impact on this season’s mosquito populations.
Mike Magee is the Commission’s assistant general manager.
“If it starts to rain and we get lots of moisture I’d say year we’re in for a fair number of mosquitoes but right now all is good,” he said.
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Magee said its control program started earlier this week and their efforts are concentrated along the marsh by the Petitcodiac River.
“It’s a natural breeding ground because it’s a salt water marsh. It’s perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes,” he said.
The Commission uses what it calls an environmentally friendly biological larvicide to control populations.
“The larva will ingest it as food and it will attack their digestive system,” he said.
Greater Moncton residents who have to deal with mosquitoes throughout the summer hope the weather works in their favour.
Linda Smith says sometimes there’s so many it can be difficult to stay outside.
“If you want to get out for an evening walk you can’t because they just carry you away,” she said.
The Commission also uses traps to track the bugs throughout the mosquito season. The trap uses Co2 to attract the mosquitoes until they are sucked down into a net.
Six of the traps have been installed around Moncton, Riverview and Dieppe.
“When there’s a lot of mosquitoes in our traps it’s an indication that we better get out there and get at it,” Magee said.
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