Until last summer, the agents used a specialized all -terrain vehicle to carry out these mosquito action operations. Since then, she has acquired two drones to replace her VTT.
BTI granules overturned in the drone tank before being dropped in wetlands housing mosquito larvae.
Photo : Radio-Canada / Battle
The first drone flies over the site and cartography the wetlands that shelter mosquito larvae. And another, much larger, takes over. The latter is equipped with a reservoir which can contain 25 kg of granules of a larvicide known as Bti.
This second drone will follow the preplanified journey by dropping the Larvicide in a stream containing mosquito larvae
explains Marc André Chiasson, Communication Agent of the South-East Regional Services Commission (CSR).
Differences observed at various levels
The operation, like that observed by Radio-Canada, takes an hour and requires a team of two people. Previously, the same operation would have taken several days with teams that may have four and six people and would have required three to four vehicles.
We are extremely satisfied. It simplifies our work. It made it much more efficient
he continues.
Marc André Chiasson, CSR Sud Est communication agent in New Brunswick
Photo : Radio-Canada / Battle
The Southeast Regional Services Commission ensures that it has half reduced the quantity of pellets used thanks to drones.
The CSR reassuring
The use of these drones, by itself, is not enough to overcome mosquitoes.
Humidity, wind and temperature are factors to take into account in the fight against this insect.
The CSR is reassuring on the impact of the method used.
Before, you had to go to the marshes with our all -terrain vehicles equipped with caterpillars and we were riding on different species that are hidden in this beautiful nature here. While with the drone, there is zero impact of this kind
notes Marc André Chiasson.
The drone applies insecticides in places in this marsh.
Photo : Radio-Canada / Battle
A study published in Europe in 2020 calls into question the scientific consensus concerning the BTI. (new window) Non-toxic for humans, it would have consequences on other insects and on biodiversity. Biologist Norbert Becker, a global summit in the biological fight against spicy insects, published more than 200 scientific publications concerning the product. He continues to support the Bti.
Other interested municipalities
To date, Moncton, Dieppe, Riverview and Fundy Albert have joined this mosquito management program in the south-east of New Brunswick.
Discussions are underway with other municipalities which would also like to offer this service to manage the population of mosquitoes in their community.
