Despite enjoying a fairly mosquito-free spring, Rocky View County (RVC) residents may see an increase in the pests after a long stretch of rainy weather. According to Jeff Fleischer, supervisor agricultural fieldman with RVC, it’s important to eliminate potential mosquito breeding grounds to help control the population.
“So far, we’ve seen probably some of the lowest mosquito numbers we’ve had in the past few years,” Fleischer said. “But with the increase in water, obviously, mosquitoes will breed and hatch.”
Any standing water provides an opportunity for mosquitoes to breed, Fleischer said. Residents are encouraged to check their yards for any accumulated water in pots, ponds, low areas in the yard, old tires and children’s toys – anywhere that can collect as little as a half-inch of water.
Residents can also help control mosquitoes by planting the right annuals to deter them from hanging around the area. According to Lisa Silva, marketing manager at Blue Grass Ltd. Nursery, Sod and Garden Centre in Balzac, the most commonly used plant for mosquito repellent is the citronella plant.
“The oil from this plant, which is related to a geranium, is what we put in our bug sprays and candles and stuff to keep mosquitoes away,” she said. “This time of year, we are typically sold out because people will plant them earlier in the season, but there are some other smelly plants here that are effective at keeping bugs at bay.”
Silva suggested residents can also control mosquitoes and other bugs by encouraging natural predators. By introducing predatory insects like ladybugs and wasps, Silva said, insect populations will be moderated without having to bring in chemical treatments.
“There’s really no point in treating until you actually have a problem,” she said. “And if you do suspect there is a problem, it’s important to have it properly identified by either a garden centre or a bug expert. If you just start spraying, you could kill other bugs, like bumblebees – and without those, we wouldn’t have any food.”
While RVC doesn’t regularly spray for mosquitoes, Fleischer said there is a program in Langdon that monitors local mosquito populations and attempts to keep them under control through the use of larvicide. He said it’s up to residents to take precautions themselves to stay protected.
“We are getting into West Nile (virus) season, but it’s important that residents know that Zika virus is not a concern in our area,” Fleischer said. “Using a mosquito repellent with DEET is one of the best ways to make sure that even if there are mosquitoes around, they’ll leave you alone.”
According to Silva, people are becoming more open-minded about the possibility of using natural solutions to insect problems. Since bugs are a part of the natural ecosystem, Silva said, they do still have a purpose – even though they may be a nuisance.
“Sometimes, the best thing to do is to just let them run their course and complete their natural life cycle,” she said. “The more we can focus on bringing in natural predators and plants to deter pests from hanging around our yards, the better off we will all be.”
