Kamloops, BC – June 23, 2020 – Canada Day is just around the corner, but itchy mosquito bites may already be a problem in your community. In honor of National Mosquito Control Awareness Week (June 21-27), the TNRD and the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) have tips to help you declare independence from those pesky blood-suckers.
Pools are open and grills are going, but are you cooking up a breeding ground for mosquitoes? Standing water and dark clothing are two things that attract them. AMCA recommends people follow the three D’s to keep mosquitoes away:
- Drain: Empty out water containers at least once per week
- Dress: Wear long sleeves, long pants, and light-colored, loose-fitting clothing
- Defend: Properly apply an approved repellent such as DEET, picaridin, IR 3535or oil of lemon-eucalyptus
Make your yard a mosquito-free zone by: disposing of any tires – tires can breed thousands of mosquitoes; drilling holes in the bottom of recycling containers; clearing roof gutters of debris; cleaning pet water dishes regularly; checking and emptying children’s toys; repairing leaky outdoor faucets; and changing the water in bird baths at least once a week.
Martin Dickson, Environmental Services Coordinator, says “Encouraging your neighbors to also eliminate sources on their own property is critical to the TNRD’s community-wide control program. Mosquitoes require water to complete their life cycle. If their water source is eliminated, so are their offspring.”
About the TNRD’s Mosquito Control Program
The Thompson-Nicola Regional District began its formal mosquito control program approximately 40 years ago. The program uses the environmentally sound practice of controlling mosquito larval populations before they emerge as adults. Nuisance Mosquito Control is conducted in a portion of Electoral Area A and in Electoral Areas J, L, M, N (except the area around the Coquihalla Recreation Area), O and P. The program also covers the muincipalities of Clearwater, Barriere, Sun Peaks, Kamloops, Chase and Logan Lake. Learn more about the program on our website tnrd.ca/content/mosquito-control
About the American Mosquito Control Association
The American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) is an international not-for-profit public service association. With 1,600 members worldwide, AMCA services are provided mainly to public agencies and their principal staff members engaged in mosquito control, mosquito research and related activities. The membership extends to 53 countries, and includes individuals and public agencies engaged in mosquito control, mosquito research and related activities. For more information on National Mosquito Control Awareness Week, please visit AMCA online at mosquito.org.
Media contact:
Martin Dickson, Environmental Services Coordinator
Thompson-Nicola Regional District
Tel.: 250-377-7079
Email: mdickson@tnrd.ca