They’re back.
Warm weather in Wellington and Dufferin Counties brings with it, mosquitoes.
WDG Public Health monitors the community for mosquito activity as part of its West Nile virus (WNV) surveillance program. Cam Clark, manager for the program said, “We’ve been tracking WNV in our region since 2003.
“Based on findings from our dead bird reporting, mosquito trap surveillance, and climate information we have identified Guelph, Orangeville, Rockwood, and Erin as potentially higher risk areas for the virus.”
Culex pipien mosquitoes -the species that most often carries virus – lays its eggs in standing water.
“They particularly like stagnant water that collects in small containers like flower pots, kids’ toys, and bird baths,” explained Clark. “We urge residents to routinely check their yards and dump standing water, particularly after rainfalls.”
Residents with municipal catch basins on their property can also take advantage of Public Health’s free larviciding program.
“Rainwater collects in the catch basins creating the ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. We can arrange to have methoprene placed in backyard catch basins. It’s a biochemical that is non-toxic to humans and animals but interrupts the larva life cycle of the mosquito.
“It prevents them from reaching maturity and reproducing.” Public Health also keeps the mosquito population in check by larviciding standing water in ditches, sewage and sludge lagoons, storm water retention ponds, field pools, and wetlands within 2km of high risk areas.
Since birds carry the virus, a large number of dead birds are an indication that the virus may be active in an area.
Public Health encourages residents to report dead crows and blue jays to the dead bird hotline at 1-800-265-7293 extension 4617 or online at https://www.wdghu.org/deadbird/. Health inspectors will collect birds that can be tested. If a bird cannot be collected, an inspector will explain how to safely dispose of it.
People can also reduce the risk of mosquito bites by using insect repellant and wearing light coloured clothing, a hat, long sleeves and pants when outdoors. For more information about the West Nile virus in Wellington and Dufferin Counties, visit www.wdghu.org.
