CITY OF SASKATOON’S ANNUAL MOSQUITO CONTROL CAMPAIGN CONTINUES AFTER RECENT RAIN

Saskatoon has experienced a significant amount of rainfall in May and June, increasing the amount of standing water that creates optimal conditions for nuisance mosquitoes.  Typically, this does not affect populations of Culex tarsalis, the mosquito that transmits the West Nile virus.
To reduce mosquito populations, the City of Saskatoon:
• controls mosquito larvae using a biological pesticide;
• maps mosquito habitat to systematically treat areas in Saskatoon and the surrounding area;
• monitors populations of adult mosquitoes and provides updated counts on www.saskatoon.ca; and
• continually evaluates and tests new control products, such as a time-released biological pesticide that is being considered for future use.
Saskatoon residents can also reduce mosquito populations by eliminating standing water on their property with these simple steps: 
• remove all standing water from your property. Mosquito larvae can develop in any amount of water that is allowed to stand for four days or more;
• ensure items in and around the property like pool covers, wading pools, saucers under flower pots, toys, and pet bowls are regularly emptied or replaced with clean water;
• clean eavestroughs regularly so water does not collect in them;
• empty and clean bird baths twice weekly;
• ensure openings in rain barrels are covered with mosquito screening; and
• ensure your yard is free of debris such as old tires that can hold rainwater.
Together, we can reduce the amount of mosquitoes in Saskatoon.  For more information on the mosquito control program, visit www.saskatoon.ca, look under “M” for Mosquito Control.
For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours, and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.

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