City tests about 60 locations for mosquito larva

By Brian Konrad

Recent rain could help hatching

City ready to begin testing for mosquito larva

Jun 7, 2022 | 12:02 PM

MEDICINE HAT — The recent precipitation has the city of Medicine Hat preparing to launch it’s annual mosquito control program.

There are some 60 sites that are monitored for mosquito populations by the city.

Mosquito activity generally increases when it’s been wet and the temperatures begin to warm up.

Dave Genio, the manager for parks with the city of Medicine Hat, says control measures will begin when the population of mosquito larva reaches a certain point.

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“So out of the 60 sites that we usually monitor, we used the dip-count method that tests for larva populations,” explains Genio.

Genio says if the trained staff doing the tests notice the levels of larva moving into an area conducive for control, they will utilize “a highly effective, low risk, environmentally compatible biological larvicide”.

As in past years, residents are asked to check their
properties for any standing water, which is a prime breeding area for mosquitoes.

That could include plugged gutters or anything on the ground that may collect water.

If there are problem areas in city parks, you can report them to the city by email to parks@medicinehat.ca or by calling 403 529 8333.