FLOOD WATCH 2017: High water levels hamper South Okanagan mosquito treatment program

PENTICTON – Excessive moisture in the South Okanagan is creating extra work for the Regional District’s mosquito control program.

Wet weather and flooding issues have put added pressure on the mosquito control program as crews attempt to treat properties covered in floodwater, according to a media release.

Places normally treated can’t be accessed due to the hazardous conditions.

The Regional District plans to spray larvicide from a helicopter on Friday, May 19.

The crew will be treating areas of greatest need in the South Okanagan and Similkameen valleys.

Residents are being asked to be proactive around their yards by emptying standing water wherever possible and unclogging eavestroughs, the Regional District says.

The Aedes mosquito is presently active and while annoying, it does not carry the West Nile virus, the release states.

The Culex mosquito, a known carrier of West Nile, can be present in the region later in the season, from July to September.

Residents experiencing flooding and wish to have the mosquito treatment program visit your site are asked to contact Cindy Boehm at 250-490-4142.

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