Protect yourself from mosquitoes this summer

As warmer weather continues and adult mosquitoes begin to emerge, residents are encouraged to take steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites and reduce mosquito breeding areas around their homes.

Mosquitoes are a natural part of the summer season, especially in areas near standing water, marshes, or low-lying land. While regional mosquito control work is ongoing, residents can also play an important role in reducing mosquito activity and staying comfortable outdoors.

Prevent mosquito bites

Mosquitoes are most active around dawn and dusk. To help prevent bites:

• Use mosquito repellent on exposed skin and clothing
• Wear long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing when outdoors
• Make sure window and door screens are in good repair
• Avoid or limit outdoor activity during peak mosquito times, when possible
• Consider using mosquito traps or other prevention tools where appropriate

Reduce mosquito breeding areas around your home

Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water, and even small amounts of stagnant water can become breeding sites. Residents can help reduce mosquito populations by regularly checking their properties and removing water where it collects.

Help stop mosquitoes before they start:

• Empty buckets, plant saucers, tarps, wheelbarrows, and other containers that collect water
• Refresh water in pet dishes, bird baths, and outdoor containers regularly
• Repair leaky outdoor taps
• Clear blocked drains and gutters
• Keep pond water circulating with a pump
• Check low spots where water may collect after rain
• Store outdoor items so they do not collect rainwater

Mosquito monitoring and treatment underway in the Township of Langley

The Township participates in the Metro Vancouver Regional Nuisance Mosquito Control Program to help monitor and manage mosquito activity throughout the season.

Morrow BioScience Ltd., the hired contractor for the program, has been actively monitoring mosquito breeding sites, sampling standing water, and treating areas where mosquito larvae are present. Their work begins in May and continues through August, with a focus on locations where mosquitoes are most likely to develop, based on historical data and topography, including low-lying, marshy areas where water collects.

This work is connected to seasonal conditions such as rising Fraser River levels in spring, known as freshet, which can create seepages and floodwater mosquito breeding sites in northern parts of the Township.

Morrow BioScience staff use a GIS app to record site conditions, sample locations, whether areas are wet or dry, and what mosquito life stages are present, such as larvae, pupae, or adults. This information helps identify which locations may need follow-up monitoring or treatment.

When mosquito larvae are found at levels meeting regulated treatment thresholds, Morrow BioScience uses a naturally-occurring bacteria larvicide products mixed with corn granules. These products release bacteria that is specifically targeted to mosquito and black fly larvae and is not harmful to people, pets, wildlife, or other insects.

The program will not eliminate mosquitoes entirely, but help keep mosquito populations at manageable levels. Once mosquitoes reach the adult stage, there are fewer control options available. Adulticiding – the control of adult mosquitoes by spraying or fogging is not an approved method under the current regional Pest Management Plan and would only be used at the direction of a Health Authority. Adult mosquito traps may also be set overnight in areas with high mosquito activity to help identify species and support ongoing quality control monitoring of nuisance levels and program effectiveness.

Report a mosquito concern

To ask a question or report mosquito activity or potential breeding sites, call the Mosquito Hotline at 604-432-6228. Operated by Morrow BioScience Ltd., the hotline is available 24 hours a day, and messages are returned within 24 hours.

Residents can also use the Morrow BioScience Mosquito Reporter, an online tool that helps track and map mosquito activity throughout the region.

Learn more about mosquito control and prevention at tol.ca/mosquitoes.