Mosquito Management in our Community
How mosquito populations are monitored and managed in our region
Public Health works year-round to reduce mosquito populations in Wellington County, Dufferin County and the City of Guelph. The goal of mosquito management is to reduce specific mosquito species that can carry disease and lower the risk of transmission to people and animals.
This page explains how mosquito populations are monitored and managed in the community, including the annual larvicide and mosquito surveillance program.
Mosquito monitoring
Mosquito surveillance takes place during the summer months to identify mosquito species and detect potential risks early.
- Traps called CDC light traps are placed throughout the region
- Mosquitoes are collected and identified by species
- This monitoring acts as an early warning system for West Nile virus and other emerging mosquito-borne diseases
This information helps guide mosquito control efforts across the region.
Targeted larvicide treatments
When standing water cannot be easily removed, environmentally friendly larvicide is applied to areas where mosquitoes breed. These treatments target mosquito larvae before they develop into biting adults.
Larvicide may be applied to:
- Stormwater retention ponds
- Municipal catch basins
- Roadside ditches
- Sewage lagoons
- Other areas of standing water that cannot be easily removed
These treatments target mosquito larvae before they develop into biting adults.
Products used
Approved larvicides are used that are safe for people, pets, and the environment when applied correctly. These products work by preventing mosquito larvae from developing into adult mosquitoes.
- For catch basins: Altosid Pellets (PCP#21809), Altosid XR Briquets (PCP#27694), VectoLex WDP (Reg. No. 28009)
- For standing water sites: VactoBac 200G (Reg. No. 18158), VectoLex CG (Reg. No. 28008)
How treatments are applied
Larvicide is applied by hand by Ministry-licensed applicators or trained technicians. Applications take place throughout the spring and summer, in and around communities across the region.
Municipal catch basin treatment
Municipal catch basins are a key focus of the mosquito management program. These structures are part of the public sewer system and are often located along curbs or in areas where water collects after rain.
Because catch basins can hold water for long periods, they can become breeding sites for mosquito species associated with West Nile virus. Treating catch basins helps reduce mosquito larvae before they develop into biting adults.
As part of the annual mosquito management program, municipally owned catch basins across Wellington County, Dufferin County, and the City of Guelph are treated with larvicide throughout the mosquito season.
Larvicide treatments in catch basins are:
- Targeted to mosquito larvae
- Applied by trained and licensed applicators
- Designed to reduce mosquito populations while minimizing impact on the environment
Residents looking for information about requesting treatment for a catch basin on their property can visit the Mosquitoes page.
More information
For information about the products used in the larvicide program, or details on treatment locations, please call the Canadian Centre for Mosquito Management at 1-855-220-7022.
Mosquitoes
