Discussions

I sent a message to the COB on Facebook and they replied back today saying there is no immediate plan to spray but that they’re checking counts tomorrow and then will make a decision.

Summer is here,  
It's very dear.  
But you can't go out,  
Without a doubt.  
The mosquitoes will dive,  
And eat you alive.  
They're beyond a pest,  
FOG them and give us a rest!

How many people can afford to put out almost three hundred bucks for this machine.  
If it runs on propane filled tanks are expensive too.  
We pay taxes so the city should be fogging!

They should just survey the residents of Brandon to see if they want to fog. Survey monkey. Never mind the trap counts (which will also be terrible). But this way may be quicker. Also, why not check the counts more often when they are obviously so bad. Can’t go outside without being swarmed.

This is getting out of hand we are forced to stay indoor because of mosquitoes if the city said the count is not enough I don’t know how bad this needs to get. Please council do something about the mosquitoes sooner than later

We have to over dress just to go outside to keep from being bitin. Luckily I happen to have been givin a mosquito jacket several years ago that I thought I would never use..glad I kept it..

to sign that petition going around from change.org but can't seem to find it or else my name would be on there!! (in support of fogging)

They’re so bad! To the point there’s 10-15 swarming my apartment in various places. They start biting once we sleep. I keep the doors and window closed so I’m think they’re making their way under the door somewhere.  
 
Any remedies to keep them out or at least not bothering us everytime we sleep?

I agree the propane cost is high ( approx 2 tanks a month) but with two family members with west Nile ( both contracted Before I purchased the magnet)) I feel it’s a small cost for a worry free summer. First saw mosquito magnet in 2013 while working in southern USA, they were mandatory on the work sites I was on and every home owner had one. When I got home I immediately purchased one and they have worked flawlessly. Again only seems to target mosquitoes . I will say the only flaw is it needs to be operating for approx a week before you notice the mosquito numbers dropping. I start mine June 1 and as stated haven’t had mosquito problems since . I feel the cost is well worth it.

I find it ironic on eBrandon people are wanting the city to fog yet in the Sound Off Brandon Sun people are complaining that they cannot enjoy the outdoors due to back yard fire pits.

I am one of those that is practically begging the city to fog. Mainly because we can’t go outside at all, day or night, without being swarmed and bitten. The kids are swelling terribly and not sleeping from being itchy.  
The fog is in the air while we sleep, for one night, or two if they have to do more. It doesn’t bother me for long. I keep windows closed and rinse toys off, etc the next day.  
I personally haven’t complained to the Brandon sun, but I do have issues with backyard fire pits running all the time. I have asthma and can’t be anywhere near the smoke. All neighbours surrounding me have fire pits. I’ve never complained about them, I go indoors and let them have their time. But it does get frustrating when they are all using them so much. One set of neighbours burns everything left over from his projects, even treated lumber in the past, so it can create a lot of smoke. Luckily he doesn’t use it often though. The other side is every second or 3rd day. And the ones across the back have started using it during the day and nights now, when they are home. So I can’t be outside when they have them going. If it would be once or twice a week, no problem, but I shouldn’t have to be forced in everyday between fire-pit smoke and mosquitoes.

Can the mosquitoes transmit COVID? If so, we really need to be fogged.... eek

Alberta story, but just as relevant... right from their chief medical officer, no evidence that mosquitos transmit COVID:  
https://globalnews.ca/news/6983875/alberta-dr-hinshaw-mosquitoes-coronavirus/

It was shared at council tonight that the daily trap counts averaged over 1000 on the weekend and there was at least one trap over 2000... both meeting conditions to fog. The city is expected to release more information tonight.

WOOOOOT.  
Hope it happens sooner than later! Would be nice to have it done by the weekend.. although I’m sure they have to wait to allow people to sign up for the buffer zone .. :/

spraying Wednesday night is what was just said at the council meeting. Weather dependent.  
 
And it sounds like it's not malathion, but another safer product.

Further to fogging, was said that plans are to fog on Wednesday and Thursday evenings weather-dependent (wind under 16 km/hr, no rain)

Sweet mother of.... they've posted the weekend's trap counts. AVERAGE on Sunday was 2337 including one trap at 3488!  
https://www.brandon.ca/mosquito-abatement/mosquito-abatement-program

being used, DeltaGard.  
 
https://brandon.ca/images/pdf/MosquitoAbatement/Mosquito_DeltaGard_Factsheet.pdf

I believe they said 12 buffer zones were already registered, which are registered every year. Anyone else that register from today onward are only causing to be a nusance to their neighborhood.  
 
As many of the counsellors said, don't be shelfish on the fogging matter. Let it happen.. this product is safer than the one used prior.  
 
These counts are out of control. Let the fogging begin!  
 
As far as Wednesday.. as of right now there is expect to be wind greater than 16km/h and Thursday is a strong possibilty that fogging will happen. Lets hope the westher conditions are ideal.

Just digging into the data a little further...  
 
The City's open data publishes historical trap counts going back to 2010.  
Before this weekend #1 on the list was an average of 1688. Sunday's 2337... 38% higher than any average trap count over the last decade. Saturday still comes in at #3 on the list.  
 
That 3488 at the Civic Services Complex on Sunday was also the highest single trap count of the last decade!

has also recognized that they need make some changes to the mosquito abatement program. It was mentioned that the trap counts may need to be reduced, allow for prep and fogging after the weather events like we had. Lots of water laying around and hot weather usually means there will be a mosquito explosion.  
 
Those were just things that were mentioned for further discussion.

Do you know if there’s a map where we can see if we are in a buffer zone ?

Can call Parks and Recreation and ask. All you will be told is yes or no. You won't be told who requested the buffer.  
 
And the buffer zone distance is set by the province and the city has no say. The city could ask the province for a change in the distance. But it was said that instead of making the zone smaller, it could get bigger.

There is a number you call on the city of Brandon website. All they can tell you is "yes" or "no" in regards to if you are in a buffer zone or not. Thank FIPPA for that one.  
 
Straight from the city of Brandon Website:  
 
Q. How do I know if my property is within a buffer zone?  
 
A. Residents wishing to determine if their property falls within an accepted buffer zone can inquire by calling the City of Brandon’s Parks & Recreation Office at 204-729-2148. Upon presenting their address, they will receive a "Yes" or "No" answer ONLY.  
 
The collection, use and disclosure of personal information for the purpose of administering buffer zone applications is protected by The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA)  
 
https://brandon.ca/mosquito-abatement/mosquito-abatement-faqs

I heard that guy state that too. When i heard that the province said that by asking for changes to the buffer zone could result in the zone being expanded all i could think of was "scare tactics" Why would the zone have to be increased in area?

Fogging will allow us to go outside again and enjoy the rest of our summer. CoVid has limited so much.

Not to be in a buffer zone. But I’m not going to call and ask, why,.. there’s no point as I can’t change the fact if I am. Other than wanting to know.

More details from the city on fogging plans, which weather-permitting would start at 10pm each night:  
https://www.brandon.ca/public-notices-details?var=5947

Thanks for the link Adam.  
 
Couple comments... I wonder why they would use different traps compared to Winnipeg? One would think there would be a standard trap that you would use for obvious reasons. I wonder how accurate the counts really are. I'm sure they are but it's funny when you analyze the numbers. And I like how the trap at the cemetery somehow was almost cut in half when every other one practically doubled. I guess no one to bite at the cemetery so they moved on however I was there yesterday and it was unbearable at best. Maybe it was just another bad catch....  
 
Secondly I have no problem with buffer zones for people with legitimate medical conditions. If that happens to be the case in my area then so be it. Totally respect that but what I don't like is the people that can apply a buffer just cause they love being eaten alive, never leave their house or just because it's a "chemical". You should not be allowed to do that for many reasons including the fact that you make it potentially ineffective for other nearby areas.  
 
Edited by BiG Mack, 2020-07-14 12:19:31