Mosquito Fogging 2023

West Nile Virus Mosquito Spraying Program

Please be advised that the Town will begin fogging for mosquitos on June 20th 2023. 

Fogging will occur beginning at near dusk on either Tuesday or Thursday evening weather permitting until August 31, 2023. If you would like your home to be skipped as we spray your block, please call 403-758-3212 or email info@magrath.ca If you have opted out of mosquito control in previous years, you are already included on our do not spray list.

For more information on West Nile Virus please visit https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/west-nile-virus.html

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What Chemical is Used?

The chemical used is DeltaGard manufactured by Bayer.

Mosquitos are terrible why can’t the Town spray every night?

The chemical is applied by a licensed applicator who is required to follow all applicable instructions. The maximum number of times it can be applied in a year is 10.

Why don’t you start spraying earlier in the season? 

There are over 30 different types of mosquitos known to fly all over Alberta. The ones known to carry West Nile are types that show up in the later and hotter summer months. While we all can appreciate the nuisance that early mosquitos in May and June present, they are not the primary target of the program.

Does the Town do anything else to control mosquitos?

Yes we do! The Town also applies larvicide in the ditches and other areas where there is standing water and the storm water pond to prevent mosquitos from hatching.

What can I do to help keep my property mosquito smart? 

 There are quite a few things you can do to help.  

1) Don’t leave standing water. Empty and turn over buckets, wheelbarrows, tires and other basins where mosquitos can lay eggs. Also ensure that any rainwater collection barrels have screens over filling holes,

2) Landscape yard areas appropriately. Mosquitos are attracted to damp, dark, and cool areas. Ensure trees and shrubs are pruned, keep grass cut and water your lawn only when it needs it or every other day.

3) Bring in nature’s natural helpers. Bird feeders and bat houses are great ways to bring natural predators around. A single brown bat will eat 1000 insects a night. 

4) Plant natural deterrent herbs like lemongrass, basil, peppermint, rosemary, lavender and sage. Flowers like geraniums chrysanthemums and marigolds are also a deterrent.

5) Consider the purchase of a commercially available mosquito trap.