This summer, some prairie cities faced a surge in mosquito populations, leading to a shortage of bug spray in stores across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta due to high demand. According to data from the City of Edmonton, mosquito numbers in the city were 15 times higher in July compared to the previous year. Peter Daly, a biological sciences technologist at the City of Edmonton, noted that while these numbers were not record-breaking, they were significantly higher than in the past two summers, which could impact public perception.
Cities like Saskatoon and Winnipeg also reported increased mosquito numbers in July compared to the previous year. In southern Ontario, experts attribute the mosquito boom to the record rainfall experienced in the region this summer. Fiona Hunter, a professor at Brock University specializing in entomology, highlighted the prevalence of the Ochlerotatus trivittatus species in southern Ontario this year. This floodwater mosquito thrives in water-filled low-lying areas, making the rainy conditions ideal for their breeding.
The persistent biting nature of the Ochlerotatus trivittatus species contributes to the heightened encounters with mosquitoes this year. Additionally, experts suggest that the heavy rainfall in the Greater Toronto Area and other regions of southern and southwestern Ontario triggered the hatching of dormant mosquito eggs, exacerbating the situation.
As temperatures begin to drop, mosquito populations are expected to decrease. The cold weather causes mosquitoes to dry out and perish, leading to a decline in their numbers. Alberta has already witnessed a decrease in mosquito activity following a recent cold spell. Despite a potential resurgence with warmer temperatures, experts believe that the mosquito populations in central Canada will not reach the levels seen earlier in the season.
