Malathion fogging trucks roll, rekindling Winnipeg debate over chemical

For the first time this year, fogging trucks carrying malathion will spray for nuisance mosquitoes inWinnipeg.

While somesay bring it on,others say the chemical kills insects indiscriminately.

It's the last year Winnipeggers may be able to engage in the perennial debate, because the city expects to run out of malathion next year, after itrefusedto sign an agreement with its supplier.

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The city will fog Fort Richmond andWaverleyHeightsstarting Thursday night.

Angie Waldner said summer is too short to worry whether malathion could be dangerous to her health.

"What isn't. The salad I had for lunch might also have some chemical on it that's a health risk, right? Our summers are too short, children need to play," she said.

But others disagree.

Marcel Rajotte, a retired Winnipegger, is opposed to the use of malathion.

"There's got to better ways because it affects frogs. It affects butterflies. Not only mosquitoes are you killing. You're killing a diversity of other insects that are needed," he said.

Crews will fog in Fort Richmond and Waverley Heights starting at 9:30 p.m., weather permitting.