Winnipeg running low on chemical used against mosquitos

WINNIPEG — The city is starting to run out of the controversial chemical used to attack mosquitos.

There is only 4800 litres of malathion left in city shelves. That is enough for a typical season which would see around three rounds of fogging.

Ken Nawolsky, with the city’s Insect Control Branch says he is actively trying to find a replacement but any new product could take between two to three years for approval.

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“We are trying to expedite that,” he said.

He did say he found two products he is interested in.

Malathion stopped being manufactured in November 2014.

The early spring meant mosquito larvae was found April 11 in Winnipeg, which is around two weeks ahead of normal.

Larviciding helicopters are set to take to the skies as soon as the winds calm down.

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