Mosquito Control Program

The 2024 Mosquito Control Program Year End Report is available to read online. Below is a summary of the report:

The Mosquito Control Program assesses, manages, and mitigates floodwater and snowmelt mosquito abundance within the program area. Most control activities take place along the Duncan River foreshore (below the Lardeau River), along the Kootenay Lake foreshore, and at associated seepage sites.

In April, immediately preceding the mosquito monitoring season, snowpack in the contributing basins was 72% of average for the West Kootenay basin and 66% of average for the Upper Columbia basin. The below-average snowpack gradually melted during May and June with seasonably warm temperatures leading to the melt of high elevation snowpack and the gradual arrival of freshet.

In response to warm high elevation temperatures in early July, the Duncan River seasonal peak was on 10 July (2.23 m) while Kootenay Lake peaked on 4 June (532.08 m). The peaks were lower than in 2023 and did not trigger compounded numbers of dormant floodwater mosquito eggs to hatch.

Local precipitation accumulation in April (68 mm) was above average and may have contributed to the creation of mosquito development sites while augmenting high elevation snowpack in the contributing basins. May (47 mm) and June (106 mm) precipitation accumulations were also above average and may have contributed to mosquito development sites.

A relatively hot and dry July (7.8 mm) was followed by above-average precipitation in August (93.8 mm), leaving some potential for container mosquito development.

No aerial treatments took place in 2024 due to low regional lake and river levels, reducing the area of floodwater mosquito development sites.

A bacterial larvicide, Aquabac® (active ingredient – Bacillus thuringiensis var israelensis) was used to treat approximately 43.36 ha (173.47 kg granules) using ground treatments within the Meadow Creek and Pine Ridge area in 2024. At all known sites, treatment efficacy was assessed as high.

A real-time monitoring and treatment data dashboard was provided to the RDCK program manager. When operational, the dashboard enabled the program manager to view up-to-date treatment information and ensure quality control.

There were no concern calls or emails from residents in 2024, which is unusual for the program area. The lack of complaints and inquiries are likely the result of reduced floodwater mosquito activity due to lower-than-average sustained peak water levels.

To report standing water or adult mosquito nuisance, please email the Mosquito Hotline: info@morrowbioscience.com or call the numbers listed below.

Visit MBL’s website to learn more about mosquitoes, read Frequently Asked Questions and access their blog.

The RDCK is renewing a Pest Management Plan and will submit the plan for approval under the Integrated Pest Management Act. This Plan will describe a Mosquito Control Program using Integrated Pest Management, including the use of insecticides.

Purpose:  Mosquito Control for the purpose of nuisance control.
Application Method: Treatment of mosquito larval development sites by hand and aerial application.
Location:  The areas to be included in this Pest Management Plan (PMP) application are limited to public and private lands within the following existing program areas:

• The floodplain area below the Duncan Dam between the south end of Duncan Lake and the north end of Kootenay Lake. Within this floodplain are the following communities:  Duncan Dam, Meadow Creek and Cooper Creek.
• Within the boundary of the RDCK Bylaw 1642 for the Pineridge subdivision area.

Pesticide:  Yearly totals up to, but not exceeding:

• 1,000 ha with Aquabac (PCP No. 26863) (Bacillus thuringiensis var israeliensis)
• 1,000 ha with Aquabac XT (PCP No. 26860) (Bacillus thuringiensis var israeliensis)
• 1,000 ha with Aquabac 200 G (PCP No. 19466) (Bacillus thuringiensis var israeliensis)

A selection of insecticides has been chosen to increase the ability to target mosquito populations in the most environmentally responsible method possible. All products listed are registered in Canada for the intended use. Bacillus thuringiensis var israeliensis has been chosen to control larval mosquitoes in their development sites.  These pesticides are target specific, non-residual, and non-toxic.

The RDCK will not treat the total area of all the products listed above but will choose the best method to treat with the least environmental impact.  All products are registered for mosquito control in Canada.

This project began April 30, 2021 and will be completed by April 30, 2026.

A person wishing to contribute information about a proposed treatment site, relevant to the development of the pest management plan, may send copies of the information to the applicant at the address below.

Any member of the public wishing to view the application or associated material can do so online or by requesting a digital copy at the contact number below (arrangements can be made if digital access is not possible). If clarification is required regarding this application, please contact the RDCK.

Residents covered under the Pineridge Subdivision Area Mosquito Control Service Establishment Bylaw No. 1642 and Portion of Electoral Area D Mosquito Control Extended Service Area Establishment Bylaw No. 1293 can report serious concerns regarding the mosquito program, using the new “Mosquito Reporter” form below:

• Mosquito Reporter Form

The form only takes a minute, and allows Meadow Creek and Pineridge residents to report mosquito activity in their area. The feedback is sent directly to the mosquito control contractor, MBL, which flags where mosquito populations are causing concern. This information helps MBL monitor and respond to nuisance mosquito occurrences more effectively.

Once received the report is automatically assigned to the appropriate mosquito control program based on the location entered in the map.

Residents without access to the internet can still call the RDCK Staff during regular business hours for issues that are not time sensitive (see number below).

NOTE: The after hours toll-free number is not always responded to immediately. Leave a message and MBL will endeavor to respond the same day.