Township of Langley urges residents to reduce mosquito breeding sites

The Township of Langley is encouraging residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites and remove standing water around their homes as adult mosquitoes emerge for the summer. Mosquitoes are most active around dawn and dusk and are common near standing water, marshes and low-lying land.

Even small amounts of stagnant water can become breeding sites, the township said. Residents are asked to regularly inspect their properties and eliminate water where it collects.

The township participates in the Metro Vancouver Regional Nuisance Mosquito Control Program. Morrow BioScience Ltd., the program contractor, monitors breeding sites, samples standing water and treats areas where larvae are found from May through August, with particular attention to low-lying and marshy areas and places affected by spring Fraser River freshet.

When larvae meet regulated treatment thresholds, the contractor uses a naturally occurring bacterial larvicide mixed with corn granules. The township says the treatment targets mosquito and black fly larvae and is not harmful to people, pets, wildlife or other insects. The program is intended to keep populations manageable rather than eliminate mosquitoes entirely.

Spraying or fogging adult mosquitoes is not approved under the current regional Pest Management Plan and would only be used at a health authority’s direction. Residents can report mosquito activity or possible breeding sites to the 24-hour Mosquito Hotline at 604-432-6228; messages are returned within 24 hours. More information and the online Mosquito Reporter are available at tol.ca/mosquitoes.