The City of Steinbach has announced that it will continue with its larviciding program this year.

An environmentally friendly product called VectoBac is used, a granular substance distributed by hand or with a backpack blower. The larvicide is safe to humans, pets, fish, and most other insects, including dragonflies which play an important role in keeping the mosquito population lower. The City will larvicide throughout the summer as needed depending on stagnant water and rain.

The City also intends to conduct adult mosquito control (ground-based ultra low volume spraying) in 2011, if the number of mosquitoes counted in Steinbach reaches a high level. Spraying would occur from streets and road allowances, in parks and green spaces within city limits, and in targeted areas within a 3 km treatment area of Steinbach.

Presuming weather conditions are conducive, the ground based spraying would occur during the late evening and night. Spraying may occur twice in seven days. Spraying within the 3 km treatment area will include some areas of the R.M.s of La Broquerie and Hanover. If spraying is cancelled due to weather conditions, adult mosquito control would be carried out as soon as weather permits.

The pesticide product to be used for ground spraying is Malathion dispersed by an ultra low volume aerosol sprayer. To reduce exposure during fogging:

• close all windows and doors;

• stay away from working trucks while spraying is underway;

• fans and air conditioners should be turned off or set at exhaust;

• ensure fruits and vegetables are washed;

• remove clothes and children’s toys from outside areas;

• wash any household items or toys left outside before use.

Objections

The public may send written objections to fogging by mail to the addresses below, by e-mail to info@steinbach.ca, or in person at City Hall, 225 Reimer Avenue in Steinbach. Objections must include a name, street address, and phone number and will be kept on record for the 2011 year.

City of Steinbach
225 Reimer Avenue
Steinbach, MB R5G 2J1

Manitoba Conservation
Pesticide / Fertilizer Section
123 Main Street, Suite 160
Winnipeg, MB R3C 1A5

Please note, if you registered an objection to fogging last year (2010), you will need to register again this year. As per the Manitoba pesticides regulation, objections must be filed each year. Any objections received less than two days before a scheduled fogging will take effect for the next fogging.