Summer in Prince George means it’s time to start enjoying the great outdoors, but it’s also time to start battling mosquitoes and invasive plants.
For the past 25 years, the city has run a control program aimed at reducing the number of mosquitoes residents encounter.
Because of the region’s short summers, the insect's problem in Prince George isn’t too bad, and the city only needs to run a nuisance mosquito control program.
“The best way to control mosquito populations en masse is to nip them in the bud,” says Claire Watkins, an environmental technician with the city, in a news release.
“Crews treat mosquito larvae with a naturally occurring bacterial larvicide that only affects mosquito and black fly larvae. The larvicide is sparsely spread on water, which technicians have previously tested and found larvae to be present.”
The city says its mosquito program doesn't deal with mosquitoes once they hatch into flying adults.
In 2019, the program ran from April 25 through July 5, and 426 hectares were treated with under 2,000 kg of larvicide.
Watkins says homeowners can help in the effort to control mosquitoes by reducing or eliminating standing water on their own property.
“Standing water, such as that which can be found in old tires in the backyard, are the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes,” says Watkins.
“Changing the water in the pet’s dish, keeping gutters clean, putting a fountain in a pond and even filling in tire ruts are all ways to reduce mosquito populations.”
Prince George also spends a lot of time and resources each year tackling plant species that invade public green spaces and this year, there’s a problem with the common tansy in particular.
Common tansy, pictured, is a yellow flowering perennial that is quickly invading the Prince George area. Residents who spot the plant on their property are advised to dig it up, put it into a garbage bag, and take it to the landfill. (via City of Prince George)These invasive plants out-compete native plants and can negatively affect ecosystems, infrastructure and people.
“Methods for dealing with invasive species may include anything from hand-pulling, digging, deadheading, mowing, or using herbicide,” says Watkins.
The common tansy is a yellow flowering perennial that is said to be invading quickly.
“We need to rely on residents to help us by reporting locations and working to eliminate this plant on their property,” says Watkins.
“Other plants we are concerned about include burdock, knotweed, and leafy spurge.”
Residents are encouraged to visit the Invasive Species of BC website to find a control method that best suits them.
“Know what is growing in your yard. Learn what plants are invasive and do not introduce them into your yard,” says Watkins.
“Above all else, dispose of invasive plants responsibly. Double bag invasive plants and take to the landfill – do not take it to compost or compost at home.”
You should also report locations of invasive plants to the city or Northwest Invasive Plant Council.
