How do wet ponds deter mosquitoes breeding?
Through design, the opportunities for mosquito breeding will be reduced. Standing water that remains for more than one week can become stagnant and is preferred by mosquito larvae. The ponds will normally have a continual base flow (i.e., small continuous flow of water) that will provide movement of the water through the ponds. Mosquitoes also prefer warm shallow water. The ponds will be designed to have a normal depth of up to 3 m (> 10 feet). Predatory species such as dragonflies and frogs typically establish themselves in wet ponds and will also assist in the control of mosquito populations. Other physical, mechanical and chemical control measures can also be taken by The City to mitigate mosquito populations and minimize the risk to human health and the environment. Animal and mosquito issues are handled through The City’s Integrated Pest Management, managed by City of Calgary Parks.
