With warmer weather on the way and the very wet spring we've seen, Manitoba might be set for a terrible mosquito year.
Entomologist Taz Stuart is an expert on mosquitos, and he expects a booming year in this pest population.
"People haven't seen a lot of mosquitos in the last 5-6 years because of the drought-like conditions and the city programs and the small towns have their programs too, but there is a noticeable difference in the amount of activity at dusk and dawn"
He also mentions that mosquito eggs can survive in dry conditions for several years, so many dormant eggs could be awakened with all the moisture in our soil.
Taz has a few recommendations as an expert on these blood-sucking nuisances.
"Personal protection measures are going to be key, avoiding those times when mosquitos are most active, removing, dumping, draining, filling, covering, and treating any water sites and reduce the water the amount of water in your back yard will reduce the number of mosquitos in your yard."
Taz also recommends strong, DEET-based repellents, and proper light-colored clothing to keep the bugs off.
Culex tarsalis, the mosquitoes seen often in Manitoba summertime can carry diseases, so it's best to avoid getting bites, before you get something else.
