The City of Winnipeg has begun adult nuisance mosquito control operations after surveillance data showed a sharp increase in mosquito activity across the city, pushing conditions into a “high” risk category.
City Insect Control says recent trap counts triggered a shift in the Adulticiding Factor Analysis (AFA) rating from “medium” to “high” following a significant spike in mosquito numbers over a 24-hour period.
Officials say the citywide average reached 84 female mosquitoes, well above the threshold of 25 female mosquitoes over two consecutive nights required to initiate spraying under the city’s mosquito control policy.
In one quadrant, trap counts also exceeded 100 female mosquitoes, meeting additional criteria for treatment.
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Spraying underway across designated areas
Spraying is taking place in multiple Insect Management Areas, including parts of St. Vital, Fort Garry, River Heights, Tuxedo, and surrounding communities within the designated treatment zones.
Operations run nightly between 9:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m., and will not proceed during high winds or when temperatures fall below 13 C.
The program operates under the City of Winnipeg Adult Nuisance Mosquito Control Policy and a provincial pesticide use permit.
Insecticide approved by Health Canada
The city is using DeltaGard 20EW, an insecticide regulated by Health Canada and its Pest Management Regulatory Agency.
Applications are being carried out by licensed operators following all approved label directions.
Officials say buffer zones of 90 metres are available for eligible properties upon request, with applications requiring a 72-hour processing period.
Residents can apply through an online service request, by fax to 311, in person at 1539 Waverley Street, or by mail to the Insect Control Branch at 3 Grey Street.
Residents encouraged to eliminate breeding sites
The city is urging residents to help reduce mosquito populations by removing standing water from private property.
Officials recommend the “#draindumpcover” approach:
Drain water from eavestroughs and unused containers
Dump standing water from items such as bird baths and kiddie pools
Cover rain barrels and other water-holding containers
City officials say reducing standing water helps limit breeding sites and supports broader mosquito control efforts across Winnipeg.