Early start to South Okanagan and Similkameen mosquito control program

PENTICTON – Early spring conditions in the South Okanagan and Similkameen this year have resulted in an early onslaught of mosquitoes.

The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen’s Nuisance Mosquito Control Program traditionally begins in mid-May, since the inception of the program in 1974.

However, the regional district says in a media release it is launching the program almost a month earlier due to the warm spring weather, early spring melt and increased number of mosquito complaints.

The regional district says mosquito control crew tests standing water for the presence of mosquito larvae on a weekly basis. If required, the site is treated with a granular bacterial larvicide applied to the water. The product kills mosquito and black fly larvae but does not harm other insects, fish, reptiles or birds.

Residents who have bodies of standing water too large to drain on their own are asked to contact the mosquito control program at 1-877-610-3737 or 250-490-4142.

The program is active throughout the South Okanagan including Penticton, Summerland, Oliver and Osoyoos.

Residents are also being advised to remove standing water from tires, pails, tarps, boats, hot tubs and pool covers. Anything in the yard that can hold water for more than 72 hours can provide a breeding ground for mosquitos.


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Steve Arstad

I have been looking for news in the South Okanagan - SImilkameen for 20 years, having turned a part time lifelong interest into a full time profession. After five years publishing a local newsletter, several years working as a correspondent / stringer for several local newspapers and seven years as editor of a Similkameen weekly newspaper, I joined iNFOnews.ca in 2014. My goal in the news industry has always been to deliver accurate and interesting articles about local people and places. My interest in the profession is life long - from my earliest memories of grade school, I have enjoyed writing.
As an airborne geophysical surveyor I travelled extensively around the globe, conducting helicopter borne mineral surveys.
I also spent several years at an Okanagan Falls based lumber mill, producing glued-wood laminated products.
As a member of the Kaleden community, I have been involved in the Kaleden Volunteer Fire Department for 22 years, and also serve as a trustee on the Kaleden Irrigation District board.
I am currently married to my wife Judy, of 26 years. We are empty-nesters who enjoy living in Kaleden with our Welsh Terrier, Angus, and cat, Tibbs.
Our two daughters, Meagan and Hayley, reside in Richmond and Victoria, respectively.

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