Portage la Prairie's yearly battle against mosquitoes has some new arsenal this year after 2022's bout saw some challenges occur with the city's fogger. City manager Nathan Peto says they purchased a new machine last year for this past summer's needs, but wasn't needed then. 

"So, we actually haven't functionally used the new fogger," explains Peto. "We hope not to use it again this year and hope that the mosquitoes aren't a problem, but you never know. We also have a supply. There were some concerns about supply shortages regarding DeltaGard, which is what we use for nuisance mosquitoes. And we have a full supply for this year and we have new machinery, so we should be ready for what Mother Nature throws at us this year."

Peto notes spraying is not their only line of defense, adding that contractors will be out larviciding and hitting the known sites and standing water around the community. This catches the bugs before they hatch.

The old machineThe old machine

He says they have a great partnership with Winnipeg for DeltaGard, and expect that to continue.

"Supply is enough for sure for this year, probably into next year. We're pretty confident in our relationship with the City of Winnipeg in supplying, and also in our supply that we have in our stores right now."