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Oil and water don’t mix

The Regional District Okanagan Simlkameen is warning against spreading oil to control mosquitos
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The Regional District is warning against putting any foreign liquid substance into a lake, creek, river, or water body in an attempt to control mosquitos. File photo

The RDOS Mosquito Control Program is working hard throughout the region, including municipalities, to reduce mosquito populations. Water levels rose high enough during recent flooding to cause mosquito eggs that may have laid dormant for up to a decade to hatch, as well as eggs from last year.

This year crews have observed slick substances poured into water where it will float out or leach into the lake. The RDOS is warning against putting any foreign liquid substance into a lake, creek, river, or water body. They have cautioned folks about the detrimental and negative environmental impacts effects of this practice, and it is an enforceable offence.

This extends to barrels, drums and containers on boat and swimming docks. Think about how the water will be disposed of from that container when it comes time to remove them from the dock; will it be poured out or siphoned?

The RDOS is obliged to report to the Ministry of Environment any person observed pouring deleterious substances or petroleum based products into a pool of water that may now or in the future leach into groundwater, water courses or lakes.

Best Practices for dealing with mosquitos on your own property:

1. Most all local hardware stores or garden centers carry water soluble ‘pucks’ that can put into pools of standing water or ponds (but not swimming pools). The pucks act in the same manner as the granular larvicide our crews broadcast. It is safe to use with no affects to any plant or other animal life. It acts on the larva of filter feeders only, which are the black fly and mosquitos.

2. Pucks are good for containers and drums too.

3. In your yard and around the home, remove all standing water or items where water can accumulate.

4. Over time fill in depressions in your yard, or make them into rain gardens to reduce the ability for water to pool.

If you have bodies of water too large for you to drain, call the Mosquito Control Hotline: 250-490-4142.