Larviciding

Larviciding is the main component for a successful mosquito control program. Larviciding is the action taken to destroy mosquito larvae in stagnant water. Mosquito larvae left untreated develop into adult mosquitoes, which are a nuisance at best and a public health threat in the worst case.

Successful larviciding begins with an understanding of the type of mosquito present in our area. The Aedes vexans mosquito develop in stagnant water found in ditches and ground depressions which hold water for more than 7-10 days. Treating these sites with larvicides destroy the mosquito larvae.

Some of the larvicides used in the Grand Forks Mosquito Control Program include, Altosid and MetaLarv, (insect growth regulators). All mosquito control personnel are certified by the North Dakota Department of Agriculture.

The larviciding program begins in April and continues through September. In most areas larvicide applications are discontinued in late August, the residual life for most of our larvicides are 30-40 days which provides coverage until late September. September 20th is generally the date when the Grand Forks area can expect its first frost.

The larviciding program applies larvicides to stagnant water within the City of Grand Forks and the surrounding area. Seasonal employees are hired annually to apply the insecticides to areas of stagnant water. The employees inspect mosquito habitat sites and if necessary treat the sites with larvicide products.