This Information Guide has been provided by the Township of King Operations Department to explain the  Mosquito Control Program and to provide answers to commonly asked questions.

To Find Out More About the 2006 Program (Click Here)

The Nature of Pottageville
Much of Pottageville is located within a low-lying eco-system - a wetland complex that supports a wide variety of creatures and plant life.  This environment also happens to be ideal for supporting many mosquito breeding sites, of several species of mosquitoes throughout the spring and summer.  Click here to view the Pottageville treatment area map.

This is Not a West Nile Virus Program
The Pottageville Mosquito Control Program was created before West Nile Virus (WNV) became the concern that it is today.  The focus of the Pottageville program is only to reduce the nuisance biting activity of the Spring Aedes mosquito that are in abundance during the spring months.  The Spring Aedes is not known to be a West Nile Vector* mosquito.  That is, it is a species that thrives only in spring, and  is generally not known to carry West Nile Virus.  There are hundreds of mosquito species, but only certain specific species, found later in the summer season, are capable of becoming infected with WNV. 

For more information on West Nile Virus vector mosquitoes, please contact the Regional Municipality of York's Public Health Unit at 1-800-361-5653 or visit their Web site.

* Vector: The means by which an illness moves from one host to the next. For WNV, the infection is transmitted via identified mosquito species.

A Brief Overview
The Pottageville Mosquito Program focuses on one species of mosquito known as the Spring Aedes. As the snow melts in February through April, pools of water form in hardwood bush areas comprised of wet, leafy litter to create ideal larval habitat for the Spring Aedes mosquito.

During the month of April, a naturally occurring substance is applied to the main breeding sites where mosquito larvae develop prior to becoming flying, biting adult mosquitoes. This naturally occurring substance, a non-chemical biological agent known as Bti,  also known by its brand name Vectobac, reduces the number of mosquitoes at the larval stage; it then biodegrades in the breeding sites within 48 hours.

Helicopters distribute the Bti onto the main breeding sites of the Spring Aedes mosquito in the month of April as it is this species that causes the excessive biting problem from May to mid-July.

The History
The program originated as a private initiative undertaken by local residents in the early 90s.  However in 2004, after a petition was made by a group of residents representing the village of Pottageville, the Township of King's Council resolved to assume the program.  2005 was the first year of the Township's involvement

Many long time Pottageville residents report that prior to the Pottageville Mosquito Control Program, outdoor life was not enjoyable. Although not entirely eliminated, with the program in place, biting activity is significantly reduced.

When is the Treatment Applied?
Utilizing the services of a licensed applicator,   breeding sites are monitored in early April.  When the mosquito larvae are at the optimal treatment stage, helicopters and ground crews distribute the Bti. Distribution takes place over a period of one or two days in April when weather conditions permit.

Tell Me More About Bti
Bti is essentially a non-toxic substance found in nature. It is a naturally occurring biological control in the form of a bacteria that quickly kills the mosquito at the larvae stage, that is, before the mosquito develops into a flying, biting adult. The larvae are destroyed [within 24 hours] and the Bti biodegrades within 48 hours.

How is it Distributed?
The Bti is suspended in particles of corncob for application. These particles are dropped from a helicopter onto the larval habitats. The corncob particle allows the bacteria to fall through trees into the larval habitats in the wooded areas, common in Pottageville. The corncob particles also reduce the chance of the Bti drifting in the wind, away from the targeted snowmelt ponds. The helicopters are used only in areas permitted by the Federal Ministry of Transportation.  Areas that cannot be reached by helicopters are treated by licensed applicators on the ground.

Your Own Backyard
One tire, thrown away in a backyard will hold enough warm water in its rim to breed 100,000 mosquitoes during April. To ensure a truly effective program, early spring clean up is necessary. Residents must participate by eliminating potential breeding sites in their yards through sanitation and maintenance. Clean or remove poorly maintained pools, wading pools, old tires, rain barrels, troughs and other similar containers that collect rainwater and create perfect breeding sites for mosquitoes.

What is the Cost?
The program is administered by the Township of King at a cost of approximately $22,000 funded by municipal tax dollars.

Licensed Applicators & the Regulatory Authorities
To ensure that all precautions as prescribed by the Provincial Ministry of Environment are followed, the the Township of King contracts the services of an experienced licensed applicator to carry out the monitoring and larviciding activities, and to ensure that all precautions as prescribed by the Provincial Ministry of Environment are followed.

The contractor must obtain its license from the Ministry of Environment (M.O.E.)  In addition, licensed applicators must apply annually to the M.O.E. for a permit to apply larvicide.  As a condition of the permit, the licensed applicator is required to monitor and document the before and after results of the application and then file a report to the MOE for their review and approval.  A copy of this report is also provided to the Township.

Another condition of this permit, is that the applicator must also obtain landowner consent prior to applying treatment to private property.

The Results are Weather Dependant
Don't expect 100 per cent elimination of mosquitoes as a result of the control program. The goal is to reduce the biting activity to a tolerable level. There are several species of mosquitoes found in Pottageville that subsist throughout the summer season. 

Spring weather conditions also play a significant role in the efficacy of the program, which again, targets only the Spring Aedes mosquito. Remember, this is a one time application in the month of April.  An excessive rainfall after the application can easily facilitate a second hatch. As a result, residents will find that the level of success of this program can vary from year to year.   

Finally, it's not hundreds of thousands of mosquitoes we're dealing with, but millions upon millions that thrive in this vibrant eco-system - the presence of which supports many important creatures such as bats and the Purple Martin.

All questions welcomed.
Inquiries can be made to:
 Cleve Mortelliti
Engineering Administrator
905-833-5321 x249

Disclaimer: The information contained within these pages has been provided as a public service and although every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, the Township of King does not warrant the accuracy of the information. Any use of the information whether authorized or unauthorized is at the sole risk of the user. The Township of King, its employees, agents or volunteers specifically deny any liability relating to the content of the information.