This summer, many prairie cities experienced a surge in mosquito populations, leading to a shortage of bug spray in stores across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta due to high demand. Data from the City of Edmonton revealed a 15-fold increase in mosquito numbers in July compared to the previous year, although not reaching record levels for the region.
Similarly, Saskatoon and Winnipeg also reported higher mosquito counts in July compared to the previous year. In southern Ontario, the excessive rainfall witnessed this summer likely fueled the mosquito boom, extending their presence and causing irritation into September. Fiona Hunter, a professor specializing in entomology, noted a rise in the Ochlerotatus trivittatus species in southern Ontario this year, favored by the wet conditions.
The Ochlerotatus trivittatus species, known for persistent biting behavior, thrived in the standing water from the abundant rainfall, creating ample breeding grounds. The prolonged wet conditions provided ideal habitats for these mosquitoes, leading to an increase in encounters with this species.
The heavy rainfall in the Greater Toronto Area and other southern Ontario regions could have triggered the hatching of dormant mosquito eggs, contributing to the current surge in mosquito activity. Experts anticipate a decline in mosquito populations as cooler temperatures set in, causing the insects to perish. Reports from Alberta indicate a significant decrease in mosquito activity following a recent cold spell.
While Edmonton and Calgary faced a challenging mosquito season earlier due to substantial early rainfall, the populations significantly reduced as temperatures dropped. However, a warm fall in Edmonton has slowed the decline in mosquito numbers compared to previous years. As temperatures rise again, there may be a resurgence in mosquito activity, albeit not at the levels seen in central Canada.