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Did you know that the Drumheller valley is home to about 24 mosquito species out of about 44 species in Alberta?

Mosquito Control Programs are necessary because mosquito bites cause:
•    annoyance
•    allergic reactions
•    infections

Mosquito bites can transmit encephalitis (sleeping sickness), dog heartworm, and disease. A Mosquito Control Program can reduce tourism revenues, outdoor enjoyment and recreation, milk production in dairy cattle and livestock reproduction and survival.

How to Prevent Mosquito Breeding

  • Empty or cover swimming pools and wading pools when not in use;
  • Empty your pet's water dishes daily;
  • Clean out leaves and other debris blocking and holding water in roof gutters;
  • Repair leaky plumbing and outside faucets;
  • Clean out birdbaths regularly;
  • Destroy or dispose of tin cans, old tires, buckets, plastic sheeting, or other containers that collect and hold water; or
  • Turn empty containers up side down so that water cannot collect in them;
  • Fill in low spots in your yard that may fill with water cause by watering and become a source for mosquitoes;
  • Remember, if it can hold water, mosquitoes will breed in it.

How to Reduce Mosquito Bites
You can protect yourseld from mosquito bits by taking the following precautions:

  • Install screens on all windows and doors;
  • Reduce outdoor activities at dawn and dusk, and wear light colored long-sleeved shirts and long pants;
  • Barbeques attract mosquitoes due to the heat and moisture they give off - after cooking move away from the BBQ to eat.

Links

Health Canada
extlink http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index_e.html

Pest Management Regulatory Agency
extlink http://www.pmra-arla.gc.ca/english/index-e.html

Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre
extlink http://wildlife1.usask.ca/

David Thompson Health Region
extlink http://www.dthr.ab.ca/

Alberta Health and Wellness - Health Information - Fight The Bite
extlink http://www.health.gov.ab.ca/