With mosquito numbers on the rise and the risk of West Nile virus high in Winkler, we spoke with local pest expert Gilles-Lambert of Gilles-Lambert Pest Control about how to prevent infestations by removing breeding grounds and hiding spots.
“Basically, they love standing water,” Lambert said. “When there's lots of rain, there's a lot more standing water. If you have the ability to get rid of that standing water, it will help tremendously.”
Tall grass, bushes, and shrubs can also provide shelter for mosquitoes, especially during the heat of the day.
“They like hiding spots,” Lambert said. “If you could probably maintain that, keep the tall grasses to a minimum, it would get rid of hiding spots or harbourage for mosquitoes when it's really hot in the afternoon.”
He shared that because mosquitoes are most active in the cooler hours after sunset, controlling their daytime resting places can reduce evening swarms in your yard.
Lambert says that if you have retention ponds or other permanent water features, consider adding a pump or creating ripples to deter breeding.
“They breed in the standing water,” he said. “If you have a retention pond, some kind of pump to create a little bit of a waterfall that creates a little bit of waves helps… even just disturbing the water.”
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Fogging reminder for the Winkler area
A ministerial order under the Environment Act has authorized mosquito fogging tonight into tomorrow morning in Winkler and within a 3 km radius of the city, including Reinfeld, Chortitz, and Schanzenfeld, to help curb West Nile virus risk.
The insecticide being used is DeltaGard 20EW, a reduced-risk pesticide applied via ultra-low volume fogging, considered unlikely to affect human health when used according to label directions.
Fogging will proceed only if conditions allow and will not occur if the temperature is expected to drop below 13 °C, or if there is excessive wind or precipitation.
- with file photo from John Gavloski -