Addressing Mosquito Control
The Saratoga Beach / Black Creek area in Electoral Area C of the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) has significant recreational and environmental value, providing residents and visitors with many outdoor summer activities and employment. Walking, running, cycling, bird watching, outdoor sports, golfing and gardening are just a few of the activities the community enjoys. Adult mosquito annoyance can often disrupt these activities and potentially impact public health.
Besides the negative impacts on the lifestyle and well‐being of residents, there can also be considerable economic impact from mosquito annoyance on local businesses. An Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to mosquito population management and control can reduce overall annoyance levels and co‐exist with these valuable resources.
The annual nuisance mosquito control program provided by the CVRD employs a comprehensive IPM to control. This approach focuses on the timely detection and treatment of larval mosquito populations using biological products and methodologies. Where possible, and appropriate, physical or cultural controls are recommended, and implemented, that reduce larval habitat and enhance, or conserve natural mosquito predators.
Pest Management Plan (PMP)
The program has been in service since 2021 with great success and alleviation for local residents and visitors to the area that enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. As part of the provincial IPM process, the CVRD is required to update its Pest Management Plan (PMP) every 5 years. We are currently updating the PMP required for program service delivery to capture the years 2026-2031. Please review the draft PMP below for public review and comment.
Mosquito Prevention Measures
Here are some simple things residents can do around their homes to prevent mosquito growth:
- Walk your property after a rain event and look for areas in the landscape that are not draining well. If you find puddles that remain for four or more days, regrade or fill in the area.
- Remove water-holding containers. Bird baths, non-chlorinated wading pools/footpaths, garbage can lids and pottery all will attract breeding mosquitos if left longer than two days.
- Replace water in bird baths and animal troughs twice per week.
- Clear clogged gutters, drains and ditches
- Store boats, canoes, wheelbarrows to avoid water collection.
- As well, homeowners can consider installing bat boxes and swallow nesting boxes to help reduce populations.
Background
The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) understands the concerns raised regarding the mosquito problem within the Saratoga/Miracle area of Electoral Area C. Several studies have been completed to help guide next steps. The studies looked at potential breeding areas within the Miracle Beach and Saratoga Beach regions. The findings located various breeding sites with standing water present. As well it has been advised that climate related factors may also adjust the mosquito population including precipitation, temperatures and tide heights.
The findings within the study work indicated there is the potential for a mosquito control program within this selected area. An Integrated Pest Management Plan is under development focusing on BTI larvicide (Bti) and requires Provincial approval prior to implementation. If the PMP is approved the next step would be to create a service through an Alternative Approval Process.
Bti occurs naturally in soil and has safely been used as a mosquito control for 30 years. VectoBac (Bti) has been listed by the Organic Material Review Institute (OMRI) as certified organic in the United States. Canadian organic registration is currently under review.
CVRD staff presented a detailed report to the Electoral Area Services Committee on January 11, 2021 regarding next steps for developing a Saratoga Mosquito Management Service and proposed Alternative Approval Process to fund this service occurring in May/June 2021. The total cost of the program is estimated at $32,000 per year funded through an annual tax requisition. It is expected the cost to be approximately $40 per household within service area.
EASC - January 11, 2021 Staff Report
Online Community Update (March 2021)
Residents in the affected area were invited to participate in an online session on March 10, 2021. Residents participated by viewing a presentation about a new pest management service, the Alternative Approval Process (AAP) involved, and costs for the service which included a detailed Q&A. A recording of the meeting can be viewed below.
Results:
Through the AAP process, the establishment of a formal mosquito management service was approved. On July 13, 2021 the CVRD Board of Directors adopted Bylaw No. 638. With a formal service and Pest Management Plan, the regional district was provided the authority to undertake such activities as well as ensure adequate expertise and resources.