Flooding in Boundary leads to increase in Mosquito numbers
By Boundary Sentinel
While the flooding severely impacted residents throughout the Boundary this spring, there is one something that benefited greatly from all the water — mosquitos.
As a result, those pesky insects are more apparent than most years.
The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary has engaged Morrow Bioscience as the contractor for mosquito control for the Grand Forks and Christina Lake areas.
“They have been actively working on control measures since before the flood, and have targeted flooded areas where there is, or was, standing water following the flood event,” the RDKB said in a media release.
“Spraying is not effective for adult mosquitos, so most control measures focus on breeding grounds where eggs are laid. Morrow has been targeting these areas both by air and ground.”
The RDKB said there are multiple species of mosquito currently active in the Boundary and the more common species in the area lays eggs in standing water, including ponds and birdbaths with new generations appear two to four weeks apart.
“The more aggressive inland floodwater mosquito (Aedes vexans) lays eggs in areas prone to flooding,” the RDKB release said.
“These eggs hatch when they are inundated by floodwater. The large swarms of these mosquitos in areas near riverbanks can be attributed to high water levels reaching eggs laid further from normal flood areas.
“The lifespan of the inland floodwater mosquito is typically around 4 weeks, dependant on weather. Eggs laid by the current generation are unlikely to hatch until the next floodwater event.”
Residents that are having problems with mosquitos are encouraged to contact Morrow Bioscience on 1-877-986-3363 to advise of trouble areas. The contractor will use this information to identify areas which need to be revisited.
Flood damaged debris tipping fee reimbursements available
- Given the extraordinary circumstances and wide-spread flooding damages to individuals, families and small businesses as a result of the recent flooding in Grand Forks, the Province of BC is covering tipping fees related to disposal of flood damaged materials.
- The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary recognizes that some residents affected by flooding paid tipping fees at landfills before the provincial program was brought into effect on May 25.
- The RDKB has now developed a reimbursement program for those residents who retained original receipts from tipping fees for flood damaged debris.
- This reimbursement program is intended to assist all affected residents (including renters), farms and small businesses.
- This reimbursement program is not intended to replace costs that would be covered as insurance claims or to duplicate assistance offered through the BC government’s Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA).
- Anyone who paid tipping fees at RDKB landfills or transfer stations for flood-damaged items in May 2018 can apply for reimbursement from the RDKB Trail office at Regional District of Kootenay Boundary, 843 Rossland Ave., Trail, B.C. V1R 4S8.
- Applications must be made by mail and include original receipts.
- Application forms are available at rdkb.com or through the City of Grand Forks at 7217 4th Ave or at the RKDB Grand Forks office at 2140 Central Ave.
