you are here: home > Issues > West Nile

York Region Begins a Larviciding Program

York Region Health Services has begun the 2007 West Nile virus larviciding program.  Here are some of the highlights.

• Larviciding is a low risk and effective measure for the control of West Nile virus

• Methoprene is the larvicide that is used. The slow-release pellet formulation interferes with the mosquito life cycle, preventing the mosquito larva from reaching maturity. It is not sprayed. The products have been approved by both the provincial and federal governments and are considered low risk for humans, pets and the environment when applied in accordance with label instructions

• Larvicide will be placed into catch basins by the Ministry of the Environment licensed applicator, the Canadian Centre for Mosquito Management Inc. Staff will use scooters in residential areas to treat the catch basins  (Please click here to read about my encounter.)

• In 2006, there were three human cases, 10 birds and 10 mosquito pools (or batches) that tested positive for the virus in York Region. The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care attributed two deaths in the province last year to West Nile virus illness

For more information on West Nile virus or any other health-related topic, contact York Region Health Services Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653.

To review the current status of West Nile virus in Ontario, please click here.

Top of Page