MOSQUITO SEASON – Helicopter takes to the skies for start of aerial attack

Posted on May 15, 2026 in 'Loops, TNRD // 0 Comments

(Video: Mel Rothenburger)

The welcome sound of a helicopter was heard over parts of the North Thompson today (May 15, 2026) as the TNRD’s mosquito control program kicked off.

Areas near Kamloops airport and Mission Flats were scheduled to get the first treatment but a chopper was also seen in McLure and Black Pines.

Tomorrow (May 16), Barriere, McLure, Garfield, Blackpool, East Blackpool and Clearwater are on the list. If needed, work will continue May 17.

Application involves applying Vectobac 200G to areas infested with mosquito larva. Vectobac 200G is an organic water-dispersible granule of a naturally occurring bacterium that is used to control mosquito larvae.

The TNRD said It is not harmful to non-target organisms including fish, livestock, or humans.

“Vectobac 200G could indirectly affect fish productivity by affecting a food source of mosquito larvae; therefore, only areas that do not support fish populations are suitable for mosquito control.

“As a result, only areas that are separate from the Thompson River and North Thompson River, and do not support fish populations, are suitable for larvicide treatment.”

The TNRD nuisance mosquito reduction program includes mosquito reduction with organic pesticides, mosquito surveillance, and outreach to the public.

The TNRD mosquito reduction program began in 1971. At first, the program consisted solely of aerial applications to control adult populations of mosquitoes. With the advancement of new products such as biological larvicides, which do not harm fish habitats, the program has shifted to an environmentally safe practice of controlling mosquito larval populations before they emerge as adults.

Nuisance Mosquito Reduction is conducted in the following areas:

TNRD Electoral Areas “J,” “L,” “M,” “N” (excluding lands adjacent to the Coquihalla Recreation Area), “O,” “P,” and a portion of Electoral Area “A;” and
Municipalities of Barriere, Chase, Clearwater, Kamloops, Logan Lake, and Sun Peaks.