Fogging debate creating buzz

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This article was published 23/06/2010 (5585 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

THE city hall debate over a possible change in mosquito fogging policy had barely started but residents were already buzzing Tuesday.

Wolseley neighbours Jennifer Lewis and Helena Tiginagas have opposing views on spraying for bugs but their concerns are similar.

Lewis said she had previously been against fogging but became more concerned about mosquitoes after the birth of her kids.

"I can see the argument from both sides," said Lewis.

"Not fogging, and fogging. They both have their positives and negatives."

Tiginagas said her feelings against fogging have strengthened since the birth of her son but said her concern about malathion doesn’t mean she loves the pesky bloodsuckers.

"By no means am I a fan of mosquitoes," said Tiginagas. "But since Francis was born I’ve become more concerned with what’s on his toys and closing the windows at night."

Tiginagas is also an avid gardener and said the spray can kill other insects that contribute to a thriving plant ecosystem.

"It kills the mosquitoes but the dragonflies and the ladybugs as well," said Tiginagas.

River Heights resident Durrenda Warren said she would prefer the city to spray earlier and often.

Her four-year-old daughter Madison was bitten on the eye by a mosquito at soccer practice.

By the next morning her eye was completely swollen.

"I would like them to spray as much as they can," said Warren. "My daughter has allergies and it got to the point where we couldn’t even go out in the park to play."

Jesse Greenberg and Michael Willcox had been playing Frisbee in a nearby River Heights park.

Greenberg said majority rule should suffice when it comes to fogging zones.

"If the majority of people want to fog then they should be able to and vice versa," said Greenberg. "It doesn’t seem fair to punish people either way."

britt.harvey@freepress.mb.ca