A predicted boom in Edmonton’s mosquito population has become a swarming, pesky, itchy reality.
City of Edmonton mosquito expert Mike Jenkins said the increase in mosquitoes that had been expected after heavy rainfall about 1- weeks ago has now arrived and is in full force, as larvae born in that period have hatched and grown up.
“And now the females are out seeking their blood meals,” he added.
Jenkins said the city had been working to reduce the numbers of larvae – and therefore keep the overall mosquito population down – but efforts were hampered by high winds and a helicopter’s mechanical problems. He said the control program will still have helped, but won’t have reduced the mosquito boom as much as hoped.
The change in the mosquito population will certainly come as no surprise to those who spent the weekend warding off swarms of the bloodthirsty pests and scratching itchy welts.
Leduc-area resident Tom Taylor said he didn’t realize the mosquitoes had got so bad until he and his dog, Belle, were swarmed while outside training in a field.
“When you have a yellow dog that starts looking black, you know they’re bad,” he said.
In fact, Edmonton and area residents have been spoiled so far this year, with populations that, up to now, were only about 30 per cent of average.
Jenkins said the city will be picking up the mosquito bite traps on Tuesday, and will release more information later in the week about exactly how much the mosquito population has risen.
But even if it has grown significantly, Jenkins said the mosquito population still won’t be nearly as bad as it was in Edmonton in the 1980s and early 90s Â- and the situation is still far better than that faced by many of our Prairie neighbours.
“Our numbers would probably be considered joyously low in Winnipeg,” he said, laughing.
He said conditions also have not been conducive to the development of Culex tarsalis, the mosquito that carries West Nile, and officials therefore aren’t expecting to see an increase in mosquitoes carrying the virus.
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