Mosquito larviciding to begin across Lambton County June 8

Lambton Public Health will begin catch basin larviciding across Lambton County and Aamjiwnaang First Nation on June 8 to help control mosquito larvae and reduce the risk of West Nile virus.

Lambton Public Health will begin catch basin larviciding on Monday, June 8, as part of its annual effort to reduce mosquito populations and lower the risk of West Nile virus in Lambton County, including Aamjiwnaang First Nation.

The work will be carried out by Pestalto Environmental Health Services Inc., which has been contracted by Lambton Public Health to conduct larval surveillance and apply larvicide under a Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks permit.

Methoprene, sold under the name Altosid, will be placed in roadside catch basins in pellet form to target mosquito larvae before they develop into adults.

Pestalto technicians will be wearing safety vests and applying larvicide by hand while using motorized scooters marked with “Slow-Moving Vehicle” signs and MECP 2026 Applicator stickers. Passenger vehicles may also be used and will have the same signage, along with flashing beacons and Pestalto insignia.

Larviciding is one of several measures used to control mosquito breeding and reduce adult mosquito populations.

Lambton Public Health said its West Nile virus prevention work also includes monitoring mosquito populations, managing disease and outbreak response, enforcing by-laws aimed at reducing standing water, and working with health care providers on case management.

Residents are encouraged to use insect repellent containing DEET or Icaridin, wear long sleeves, pants and socks outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk, and remove standing water from flowerpots, gutters, toys and other containers. Swimming pools and ponds should also be properly maintained to help prevent mosquito breeding.

Mosquito trap surveillance and testing for West Nile virus is expected to begin in early July. Positive findings will be reported, and monitoring of human cases will continue.

Lambton Public Health also said it no longer collects dead birds for West Nile virus surveillance. Residents who find a dead bird on their property are asked to use gloves or a bag to pick it up, then place the bird and bag in the garbage for regular disposal.

More information about West Nile virus and dead bird disposal is available through Lambton Public Health’s West Nile virus Information Line at 519-383-3824 or 1-800-667-1839 ext. 3824.