Ottawa deploys mosquito-killing drones to prevent spread of West Nile virus [Video]

For once, that buzzing sound in your ear this summer might not be a mosquito, but part of Ottawa Public Health’s (OPH) multi-faceted strategy to keep the insects — and the potentially dangerous viruses they can carry — in check.

The public health agency is deploying drones capable of carrying and dispersing larvicides to kill mosquitoes.

The technology is supplied and operated by GDG Environment. Richard Trudel, a scientific adviser for the company, says bigger areas require bigger drones.

The company’s larger drone is capable of spreading larvicide in a six-metre radius, and can reach areas that would typically would be difficult to access.

“It’s really sophisticated, it’s very efficient. It’s meant to blow …