Lambton Public Health (LPH) 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 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 standing water around their property, keep eaves clear of debris, drain water from containers or toys and maintain swimming pools and ponds to prevent breeding.
Wearing long sleeves, pants and socks and applying insect repellent containing DEET or Icaridin when outside during peak hours (dawn and dusk) or in locations where mosquitoes are most active is also recommended.
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, LPH recommends picking it up with gloves or a bag, and putting to the curb in your regular garbage.
Residents can explore local data and trends through LPH’s new Climate Change Dashboard. https://lambtonpublichealth.ca/climate-change-dashboard/ More information about West Nile Virus, or dead bird disposal, can be found at LambtonPublicHealth.ca. You can also call the information line at 519-383-3824, toll-free 1-800-667-1839 ext. 3824.
