Winnipeg begins spraying for mosquitoes Sunday night

For the first time in two years, the City of Winnipeg will be fogging for adult mosquitoes.

It comes after the city-wide trap count rating moved from medium to high over the weekend.

Helicopters will begin the control program Sunday, weather permitting, from 9:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.

The city anticipates the fogging will last five days.

“This is pretty high,” the city’s heliport manager Thomas Bohm said. “I’ve been working for Insect Control for 20 years, I have counted 5,000 in a trap in the past, but I haven’t seen that in a long, long time. Compared to last year, this is quite a drastic difference.”

Anyone looking to not have the Health Canada-approved insecticide used for fogging within 90 metres of their property can request a buffer zone with the city online, in person or over the phone. The city requires 72 hours of notice.

The areas impacted by Sunday’s spraying are:

• Kilcona Park, River East, Springfield North, Valhalla
• Kildonan Drive, Rossmere A
• Glenwood, Norwood East, Norwood West
• Alpine Place, Elm Park, Lavalee, St. George, Varennes, Worthington
• Kingston Crescent, Minnetonka, Norberry, Pulberry, Victoria Crescent
• Maple Grove Park, Normand Park, River Park South, St. Vital Centre, Vista
• Betsworth, Ridgewood South, River West Park, Roblin Park, Southboine, Westdale
• Elmhurst, Eric Coy, Marlton, Ridgedale, Varsity View, Vialoux
• Assiniboine Park
• Jefferson, Kildonan Park, Seven Oaks

The City of Winnipeg is asking that people eliminate all standing water on their properties to prevent mosquitoes from multiplying.