Mosquitoes are unfortunately a fact of life for us in Warman and can be an incredible pest during the spring and summer.  Unfortunately they are not only a pest but are capable of spreading diseases such as the West Nile Virus.

In Warman, our parks department uses a biological larvicide called Vectobac. It applied to stagnant shallow water such as drainage ditches, slough, ponds, large puddles and other areas where standing water is likely to accumulate. These areas are monitored on a weekly basis and when larvae are detected in sufficient numbers to warrant treatment the biological larvicide is applied. The City of Warman will erect signs noting that an area has been treated for mosquitoes.

Warman residents can assist with reducing mosquito populations by eliminating mosquito habitat on their property. Mosquitoes need water to develop and their eggs and larvae can develop in any water that is allowed to stand for four days or more. To assist in the prevention of the breeding of mosquitoes:

• Remove any standing or stagnant water from your property.
• Ensure items in and around the property, like pool covers, saucers under flower pots, children's toys, pet bowls and wading pools are regularly emptied or replaced with clean water.
• Clean eaves troughs regularly so water does not collect.
• Empty and clean bird baths twice weekly.
• Ensure that openings in rain barrels are covered with mosquito screening.
• Aerate ornamental ponds and stock with fish that eat mosquito larvae.
• Ensure that your yard is free of debris, such as old tires that can hold rainwater.

You can also take preventative measures to minimize the opportunity for mosquito bites by:

• Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and applying insect repellent;
• Minimize time spent outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active;
• Making sure all windows and doors in homes are tight-fitting and properly screened.