Rapid increase in mosquitoes attributed to ‘good weather’ for the pests: City of Saskatoon entomologist

Buzz off.

That’s how a lot of Saskatonians are feeling as mosquito numbers continue to climb. Jeff Boone, the City of Saskatoon’s entomologist explains the reasoning behind the uptick in the nuisance pests.

“We’re definitely seeing an increase in our numbers of nuisance mosquitoes following the rain events that we had. Starting a few weeks ago now, we’ve had really good rain conditions for the development of mosquito habitat,” he told 650 CKOM Monday.

“Also, some humid conditions, (it’s) really good weather for them flying and finding a blood meal.”

Late June and into early July is when the highest numbers of mosquitoes are typically found in the city, according to Boone.

“I think a lot of Saskatonians are noticing that right now,” he said.

Boone also gave a few tips on how to stop the growth of mosquito numbers in the city.

“People can definitely help out by removing standing water. Standing water, especially areas that collect small amounts of standing water, where it sticks around, those are really important to get that water out of there,” he said.

Areas he keyed in on included eavestroughs, kids toys, birdbaths and any shallow, warm bodies of water.

“(Mosquitoes are) really good at finding that habitat,” Boone continued.

He said there are no mosquitoes that carry West Nile as of yet in Saskatoon, but the numbers do tend to build in July.

The early rise in numbers was not predicted by the city, or Boone himself.

“There was a fairly rapid build-up in the (number) of habitats,” he said. “Three weeks ago, there was really no indication of what we’re experiencing now.”

He said our bodies do adjust to the pests as the summer continues to roll through. He added that this may also be the reason many in Saskatoon feel like the mosquitoes are worse this year.

“Usually, at the beginning of the season, there’s definitely a different psychological response to being bitten by mosquitoes,” Boone said.