With above-average precipitation this spring, mosquitoes are going to be a major issue this summer. Entomologist Taz Stuart says there are some ways to make sure they aren't too bad around your property.
"Remove any standing water, dump it, spill it, drain it, treat it." Says Stuart, "If you've got any gutters make sure they're clean so there's flow there, bird baths, toys, pools, anything that can literally hold water for seven days, can produce mosquitoes."
If you can't remove standing water for any reason, there are larvicides that can be used to make sure mosquitoes don't reproduce in it. Even though there will be more mosquitoes this year than in the past few, it doesn't mean they'll be spreading more diseases.
It's been a cool spring, it's not very conducive for Culex tarsalis, the primary vector for West Nile Virus here in Manitoba, and it all depends, if it gets hot and dry, she's gonna love it, but numbers are low, I wouldn't be concerned but there's never no risk.
Stuart said to make sure you always protect yourself, wear insect repellent, wear light-colored clothing, and avoid spending time outside when mosquitoes are most active.
