More rain could bring more mosquitoes to Saskatoon, city says

With more rain in the forecast, Saskatoon is expecting increased mosquito activity.

The City of Saskatoon says an increase in rainfall in recent years has created habitat in areas that have not been active for a long time.

As part of its annual mosquito control campaign, the city focuses on treating mosquitoes in their larval stage to help reduce adult mosquito populations later in the season.

“Only female mosquitos bite as they need blood to develop their eggs,” the city said in its weekly update.

“Among the female mosquitos we monitor, we highlight catches from the Culex genus — these mosquitos have the greatest risk of transmitting West Nile virus (WNV) in Canada.”

West Nile Virus spreads to humans through mosquito bites. In Saskatchewan, the main mosquito that carries it is called Culex tarsalis.

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The city says its crews monitor and treat mosquito development sites across the city and a surrounding buffer area.

Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water, and some species can complete their life cycle in as little as four days.

The city is asking residents to help limit mosquito growth by removing standing water around their homes. This includes emptying items such as bird baths, pool covers and containers that can collect rainwater.

Residents are also encouraged to clean eavestroughs, cover rain barrels, and keep yards free of debris such as old tires that can hold water.