Steinbach’s Parks and Rec staff have begun mosquito larviciding this week.
Parks and Rec Department Head, Russ Dyck, explains that they use an environmentally friendly product, which is a granular substance which they distribute either 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 larvicides throughout the summer as needed depending on stagnant water and rain.
The City reminds residents that they can also take actions to help keep the mosquito population down:
• Apply an appropriate mosquito repellant.
• Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing with long sleeves and pant legs.
• Make sure your door and window screens fit tightly and are free of holes.
• Regularly clean and empty eaves troughs, pool covers and other items that collect water.
• Clean and empty bird baths weekly.
• Make sure openings in rain barrels are covered with mosquito screening or tightly sealed around the downspout.
• Clear your yard of old tires or other debris where water collects.
• Cut the grass around your home; trim hedges and trees around doorways and seating areas.
