As promised, I am following up to share another update on what is happening with respect to our mosquito nuisance program. I have been working closely with GDG since my last update 2 weeks ago, to ensure they understand the scope of the problem and are deploying all resources to address it.
Despite large overall populations of mosquitoes, over the last 3 weeks we have seen the population declining. In determining the effectiveness of the program, GDG measures the number of mosquitoes caught in a control trap, which is 2.5 km outside of the protected zone versus those caught in Kanata North.
For July 7th – July 13th: 21,014 mosquitoes were caught in one night outside of the protection zone. 9,408 caught in one night in Kanata North’s highest nuisance region, 3,872 caught in one night in Kanata North’s lowest nuisance region. This implies a reduction of 55% – 81%.
For July 14th – July 20th: 36,992 mosquitoes were caught in one night outside of the protection zone. 7,808 caught in one night in Kanata North’s highest nuisance region, 2,944 caught in one night in Kanata North’s lowest nuisance region. This implies a reduction of 78% – 92% from what they believe would be the number of mosquitoes in Kanata North due to the program.
For July 21st to July 27th: 27,648 mosquitoes were caught in one night outside of the protection zone. 4,480 caught in one night in Kanata North’s highest nuisance region, 2,816 caught in one night in Kanata North’s lowest nuisance region. This implies a reduction of 84% – 90% from what they believe would be the number of mosquitoes in Kanata North as per traps outside of the protected zone.
GDG has done a total of 7 treatments so far this season, far exceeding the number of treatments done last year. Further they anticipated an additional treatment to take place this week should it rain. The rain and standing water produces key breeding grounds that must be treated before mosquitoes hatch.
If residents are aware of areas that are prone to flooding I encourage you to reach out to GDG by emailing info.mosquito@gdg.ca or calling 1-877-227-0552.
I will continue to work with GDG to ensure every possible resource is being dedicated to tackle the challenges they are facing.