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|  | Are they a problem? |  | Are they a problem? | 
|  |  |  |  | 
| − | =Mosquitoes= | + | ===Mosquitoes=== | 
| − | A mesh size of 1.5 mm or smaller is recommended where a screen is used to exclude mosquitoes from a tank or other standing water[http://www.who.int/ith/2017-ith-chapter7.pdf?ua=1]. | + | Mosquitoes are a vector for many global diseases. In Ontario they are associated with transmission of West Nile Virus[https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/DataAndAnalytics/Pages/WNV.aspx]. | 
|  | + | Low impact development technologies reduce the amount of standing water compared to traditional stormwater ponds. However there are a few additional design recommendations that can reduce mosquito habitat even further | 
|  | + | <ul>   | 
|  | + | <li><strong>First line of defense:</strong> A mesh size of 1.5 mm or smaller is recommended where a screen is used to exclude mosquitoes from a tank or other standing water[http://www.who.int/ith/2017-ith-chapter7.pdf?ua=1], </li> | 
|  | + | <li>The Ministry of the Envionment and Climate Change permit just two larvicides to be used to kill mosquito larvae growing in the water[http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/horses/facts/info_mosq.htm#larvicides]: | 
|  | + | <ol> | 
|  | + | <li><strong>Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israeliensis)</strong> Note that provincial regulations permit only granular application, rather than 'dunks' or 'pucks' available elsewhere. Thi smeans more frequent application may be necessary,</li> | 
|  | + | <li><strong>Methoprene</strong> This product can only be used by licensed individuals as it is slightly toxic to some fish species. </li> | 
|  | + | </ol> | 
|  | + | </ul> | 
|  | + | <p>Airborne adulticides for mosquito control are permitted for use in Ontario. But their use would no be required with most forms of stormwater control.   | 
|  | + | Encouraging populations of bats, birds, dragonflies and other natural predators is worthwhile for improving biodiversity.  | 
|  | + | But has not been demonstrated as an effective means of mosquito control. </p> | 
|  |  |  |  | 
|  | =Humans= |  | =Humans= |