Mosquito control returns to Scotch Creek after one-year hiatus

Photo: CSRD

Mosquito control will return to the Scotch Creek area of the Shuswap this year.

The Columbia Shuswap Regional District, BC Parks and Little Shuswap Lake Band plan to restart the program in spring and summer.

The band had expressed concern about potential environmental impacts from the mosquito larvicide treatments.

The program was then suspended in 2022 as it "would not be effective without including the areas of significant mosquito breeding habitat on the Skw'lax te Secwepemcúl?ecw lands and Shuswap Lake Provincial Park," the CSRD says.

The mosquito program uses a product called Aquabac (BTI), which is a soil-borne bacterial product that specifically targets mosquitoes in their larval growth stage before they hatch. Its use is regulated by the federal government.

An independent study by Simon Fraser University concluded there are no adverse impacts on fish or habitat.

Based on the conclusions, the band is pleased Aquabac treatments "are not harming fish, or their habitat, and we are now willing to move forward with the nuisance mosquito program on a one-year basis," said Kukpi7 (Chief) James Tomma.

The purpose of the one-year basis is to allow for testing on amphibians during the 2023 season. Based on test results, the program will be re-evaluated and long-term agreements may be negotiated.

BC Parks has issued a letter of authorization for the treatment of habitat in Shuswap Lake Provincial Park between April and August 2023.

CSRD Area F director Jay Simpson says the return of mosquito control will greatly reduce their nuisance to residents and visitors.

"The mosquito issue can make it almost unbearable to enjoy this beautiful area of the Shuswap," says Simpson. "By working together with the Skw'lax te Secwepemcúl?ecw, we will have a program for the coming year that is safe, effective and we hope to be sustainable into the future."