Repelling Ticks & Mosquitos
Repelling Ticks & Mosquitos
The City is continuing to test the effectiveness of a 100 per cent natural garlic-based product aimed at:
- Keeping mosquitos and ticks away from the dog park area of Grass Creek Park, Meadowbrook Park, and Rotary Park.
This natural repellant, not harmful to people or animals, has a powerful effect on mosquitos and ticks (who don't like the smell) and will be applied every three to four weeks throughout the summer and fall.
The City reminds residents that many parks have planned naturalized areas intentionally left to grow wild. Please, keep to pathways to enjoy non-wild walks and avoid ticks.
Why is the City using a repellant?
The City is seeking way to diminish the risks to the public associated with ticks, mosquitos and wandering geese. Ticks, known to be active in the Kingston area, are associated with Lyme disease. Mosquitos can carry West Nile Virus. Wandering geese are only a risk if they are crossing streets with heavy traffic.
Visit these KFL&A Public Health webpages to learn how to protect your family and pets from:
Will the garlic-based repellant smell?
The repellant is meant to work on insects and geese, not humans! Insects have a much more sensitive sense of smell than humans. Geese do not like the taste of the repellant on the grass they eat. Humans may detect the smell of the repellant, but only immediately after it has been applied.
What other species or pest could be affected by the repellant?
The garlic-based repellant is known to ward off a number of insects and animals including ticks and mosquitos.
Will the City consider using this repellant in other situations?
The repellant is being used to help ensure the safety of residents, drivers and dogs. If it proves to be effective, the City will consider expanding use of the garlic-based repellant to other key locations. The City will not be expanding the program to include any other locations at this time.
Is the repellant safe?
View the Material Safety Data Sheet for the garlic-based repellant being tested by the City.