Mosquito control programs are common practice in many communities across Ontario.
The Township of Ramara has operated its annual mosquito control program for more than 40 years.
Nuisance Mosquito Control Program
Notice of Pesticide Use
The Township of Ramara is advising residents that the annual mosquito control program will take place this spring in selected areas of the Township. The program is conducted each year to help reduce nuisance mosquito populations by targeting mosquito larvae in stagnant and standing water where mosquitoes breed.
The program will occur between mid-April and late May 2026. The program will use one (1) application, by helicopter of the larvicide VectoBac 200G (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, PCP #18158, granular). A notice will be published at least 48 hours prior to the treatment date.
Background
The Township of Ramara's annual mosquito control program, also known as spring mosquito aerial larviciding, has been in place for more than 40 years. The program is conducted under an annual permit issued by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.
At one time, ground fogging was done by the Township; however, the current method is more environmentally friendly. Council has periodically reviewed alternative treatment options, however this program remains the most cost-effective for the benefits it provides.
The Township uses a granular biological mosquito larvicide, which specifically targets mosquito larvae. The single aerial application takes place in the spring, between April and May, before the larvae emerge as mosquitos. This treatment focuses on the spring Aedes species. With more than 50 mosquito species in Ontario, the Township of Ramara is not eradicating all mosquitoes. The larvicide is safe for humans, livestock, birds, fish, frogs, plants and other insects. It only affects mosquito larvae in the water.
The treatment areas only include wetland areas which are stipulated under a Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks permit to perform a water extermination. No spraying is conducted over residential areas.
Treatment Area
Frequently Asked Questions
How long has the Township been doing this?
The program was introduced to address mosquito populations associated with local wetlands.
The primary benefits include:
· Reducing spring mosquito populations
· Targeting larvae early in the lifecycle to reduce the need for broader adult mosquito control measures
How much does the program cost?
The mosquito control program is funded through a special levy applied to properties in the program area, not the general tax base. For 2025, the total program cost was approximately $60,000.
How many properties are affected?
There are nearly 3,000 properties in the program area. The aerial larvicide (pellets) is applied only to designated wetland areas identified in the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks permit. No application occurs over residential areas.
What are the environmental impacts?
The Township hires a certified contractor that uses a granular biological larvicide (pellets) that is specifically designed to target mosquito larvae in water. Key environmental considerations include:
- The product affects only mosquito larvae and does not impact adult mosquitoes
- It is considered safe for humans, livestock, birds, fish, frogs, plants and other insects
- Application occurs once annually in early spring (April–May) before larvae emerge
- The current aerial larviciding method replaced former ground fogging and is considered more environmentally responsible
- All work is conducted under provincial oversight through an annual permit through the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.
How will residents be notified of the treatment?
The Township will publish a notice 48 hours before the treatment begins.
What happens if the weather is poor on the scheduled treatment day?
The application may be postponed. Weather (especially wind and rain) affects the helicopter’s ability to precisely apply granules. A notice will be posted if the scheduled date is postponed due to weather conditions.
Contact Us
Corporation of the Township of Ramara
2297 Highway 12, PO Box 130, Brechin, ON, L0K 1B0
T. 705-484-5374
E. ramara@ramara.ca
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