Catch basin larviciding is set to begin in Lambton this week, the health unit says.
The process is designed to control mosquito larvae and reduce the incidence of West Nile virus (WNV).
Pestalto Environmental Health Services Inc. has been contracted to conduct larval surveillance and apply larvicide under the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks larviciding permit, Lambton Public Health (LPH) says.
Pestalto 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, along with an MECP 2024 Applicator sticker on the vehicle.
Methoprene (Altosid) in pellet (Pest Control Products Act #21809) and granule (Pest Control Products Act #22676) formulation will be placed in the catch basins.
Passenger vehicles may also be used and will be equipped with the same signage, along with a flashing beacon and Pestalto insignia.
Larviciding is one measure used to impede mosquito breeding and control adult mosquito populations.
Lambton Public Health also encourages residents to:
• Remove stagnant water around your property
• Keep eaves clear of debris
• Drain water from containers or toys
• Use insect repellent containing DEET or Icaridin when outside during peak hours (dawn and dusk) or in locations where mosquitos are most active
West Nile virus Surveillance
Mosquito trap surveillance and testing will begin in early July. Positive findings will be reported and health system monitoring of human cases is ongoing. Lambton Public Health would like to remind the public that there is no collection of dead birds for West Nile virus surveillance.
Residents who find a dead bird on their property 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.
For more information about WNV, or dead bird disposal, call the West Nile virus Information Line at 519-383-3824, toll-free 1-800-667-1839 ext. 3824 or visit LambtonPublicHealth.ca.