Lambton Public Health [LPH] says efforts to control the mosquito population will start this week. The health unit has contracted Pestalto Environmental Health Services Inc. to commence the summer task of catch basin larviciding, designed to control mosquito larvae and reduce the incidence of West Nile Virus [WNV] in Lambton County.
LPH said technicians wearing safety vests will apply larvicide by hand to roadside catch basins while on a motorized scooter that has a “Slow-Moving Vehicle” sign.
Passenger vehicles may also be used and will be equipped with the same signage and a flashing beacon.
Residents are encouraged to remove stagnant water around their property, keep eaves clear of debris, drain water from containers or toys and use insect repellent containing DEET when outside during peak hours (dawn and dusk) or in locations where mosquitoes are most active.
Mosquito trap surveillance and testing will begin in early July.
"Positive findings will be reported and health system monitoring of human cases is ongoing," LPH stated. "Lambton Public Health would like to remind the public that there is no collection of dead birds for West Nile virus surveillance. If residents find a dead bird on their property, they are asked to dispose of it properly using gloves or a bag to pick up the dead bird, followed by discarding the bag and the bird into a garbage container to be disposed of with their regular garbage."
More information about WNV, or dead bird disposal, can be found at LambtonPublicHealth.ca.
You can also call the West Nile Virus Information Line at 519-383-3824, toll-free 1-800-667-1839 ext. 3824.
