Mosquito Control

Nuisance Mosquito Control Program

The Township participates in the Metro Vancouver Regional Nuisance Mosquito Control Program. 

This environmentally-sensitive program is designed to reduce nuisance mosquito populations to tolerable levels by aiming to control mosquitoes at the larval stage of the mosquito life cycle. The program is carried out by a professional mosquito control contractor, Morrow BioScience Ltd., working for the region.

A regional Mosquito Control Hotline has been established to take calls regarding mosquito nuisance concerns. The program depends on the public to inform when and where they are experiencing concerns about mosquitoes. 

To report mosquito-related concerns, call the Mosquito Hotline at 604-432-6228. The phone line, operated by Morrow BioScience Ltd., is available 24 hours a day and all inquiries are responded to within 24-hours of receiving messages.

Larval Mosquito Control

The primary emphasis is to target mosquito larvae confined to a specific location (such as stagnant bodies of water including sloughs, seasonal wetlands, detention ponds, and/or roadside ditches). The program involves: 

• surveillance
• identification
• data collection
• monitoring
• treatment of mosquito-producing sites

When sites meet regulated levels, specific identified surface water is treated with environment-friendly larvicide called Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) . Bti-coated corn pellets are distributed by two effective methods: 

• hand or backpack spreader via foot or boat access
• aerial spreading dropped from a helicopter

Nuisance mosquito species are not typically associated with the spread of West Nile virus.

Other Control Methods (“Spraying”)

Adulticiding (the ”spraying” or “fogging” of insecticide) to control adult mosquitoes, is considered an extreme option and is not used as a primary means of mosquito control in the region. Adult mosquito control is expressly excluded from the regional mosquito Pest Management Plan.

It is important to note that due to human health and environmental risks associated with airborne distribution of insecticide, adulticide mosquito control methods have not been used in the region since 2003. This method would likely only be used under specific direction of the Medical Health Authority, such as in an outbreak of West Nile virus.

Protect Yourself

The Township of Langley uses education initiatives to help spread the word about risk reduction, and to help residents mitigate mosquito breeding habitat from around their homes. Learn how to eliminate mosquito breeding areas at home.  

Practice the 4 Ds for reducing mosquito risks:

1. DRAIN your property of unwanted standing water
2. DUSK/DAWN: take extra care at these times
3. DRESS appropriately: wear light-coloured, loose fitting clothing with long sleeves
4. DEFEND against mosquito bites by using mosquito repellents 

Program Contacts and Information

Nuisance Mosquito Habitats
Mosquito habitats are located throughout the Township of Langley, with the vast majority along the Fraser River foreshore area; affecting Fort Langley, Glen Valley, Derby Reach, and Walnut Grove.

Nuisance Mosquito Reports and Maps
Read the 2019 Metro Vancouver Nuisance Mosquito Control Program  summary report.

Regional Control Contractor
Morrow BioScience Ltd. is the regional professional mosquito control contractor. Contact Morrow BioScience Ltd. by calling the Mosquito Hotline at 604-432-6228. Learn more about Morrow BioScience Ltd. on their website, Facebook, and Twitter.

West Nile Virus, Zika Virus, or Any Other Health Topics
Township of Langley does not run virus related programs. For the latest information on the Zika Virus or West Nile Virus, visit the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control or Health Canada and search ‘virus’ in their search bar. For health issues, visit HealthLinkBC or call 8-1-1.