Dandelions are popping up all over the place, and it can be difficult to keep up with the spring influx.

Through a combination of mechanical and chemical control, Morden's Park Manager and appointed Weed Inspector Shawn Dias says they're handling both dandelions, broad-leaf weed species, and any plants covered under the Noxious Weed Act.

Dias says they treat the plans using chemicals approved under their pesticide use permit from the province, but he notes weed prevention can start with your lawn.

"It's most important to keep your lawn healthy. It's sort of an annual maintenance of aerating, fertilizing and seeding keeping the turf grass healthy; a lot of it comes down to the precipitation and water we get. "

Luckily this spring has been more forgiving than others in terms of moisture, Dias says, and when everyone takes pride in their lawns the spread of weeds is greatly hindered, as one plant's seeds can create an entirely new infestation. 

 Another responsibility Dias looks after is observing and handling mosquito populations. Dias explains they use an adult factor analysis when determining the best course of action when dealing with mosquitoes and are currently not concerned.

"We're monitoring standing water right now and treating with a larvicide product. We haven't noticed any flying insects right now, not a lot anyway, but as it warms up, I'm sure like it is every year those will come into effect."

Once the temperatures increase, Dias says both the city and Manitoba Health will be monitoring adult traps for the West Nile carrying culex tarsalis mosquitoes, and take the initiative in reducing mosquito breeding habitats.