CONDITIONS IDEAL FOR MOSQUITO DEVELOPMENT; RESIDENTS ENCOURAGED TO REMOVE STANDING WATER FROM YOUR PROPERTY AND TO REDUCE THE RISK OF MOSQUITO BITES
The recent rain and warm weather are ideal for mosquitoes. City crews are busy working on a series of mosquito larvae control campaigns aimed at reducing the number of mosquitoes this spring. The mosquitoes currently being controlled are primarily nuisance mosquitoes. Mosquito control will continue throughout the summer and will also control Culex tarsalis, the mosquito that is the primary carrier for West Nile virus (WNv) in Saskatchewan.
Saskatoon residents can assist with reducing mosquito populations, including Culex tarsalis, by eliminating stagnant water on your property. Mosquito larvae can develop in any water, even small amounts that are allowed to stand for four days or more. To help control the mosquito population you can:
While mosquito control will provide protection by reducing mosquito numbers, it will not eliminate the risk of contracting WNv. Health Canada recommends the use of repellents containing concentrations of DEET not to exceed 30% for adults or 10% for children two to twelve years of age. No more than one application of 10% DEET per day is recommended for infants six months to two years old. DO NOT USE DEET on infants under six months.
Some non-DEET repellents have been shown to provide protection for a period of time similar to a product with a low concentration of DEET (4.75%). Use of these products is recommended instead of DEET for people with:
Preventative measures to minimize the opportunity for mosquito bites include:
For more information on the City’s mosquito control program, visit www.saskatoon.ca and look under “M” for Mosquito Control.
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