Saskatoon Swarms: Mosquito Count Hits 20-Year High, Raising Alarms!

Residents of Saskatoon are buzzing with a different kind of irritation this summer, as the city reports a startling surge in its mosquito population. The latest figures reveal a dramatic spike, with June 2024 recording the highest mosquito count in two decades, leaving many to wonder if they're living in a scene straight out of a horror movie.

According to the city's meticulous monitoring, the average number of female mosquitoes per trap has skyrocketed to an alarming 258.

To put this into perspective, last year the count for the same period was a mere 19, and the five-year average stands at 105. This isn't just a slight increase; it's an unprecedented explosion, reminiscent of the notorious mosquito seasons of 2005 (average 333 per trap) and 2007 (average 266 per trap).

So, what's behind this unwelcome invasion? Experts point fingers at the unusually wet conditions experienced during the spring.

Abundant rainfall and persistent moisture have created a perfect storm – an idyllic breeding ground for these relentless bloodsuckers. Standing water in various forms, from puddles to ponds, serves as an open invitation for mosquito larvae to thrive and multiply at an accelerated rate.

The city isn't sitting idly by while its citizens are under siege.

Saskatoon's dedicated pest management teams have been on the offensive since May, implementing rigorous larviciding programs. They utilize a bacterial larvicide known as BTI, a targeted approach that effectively eliminates mosquito larvae before they can mature into biting adults. This eco-friendly method helps control the population without harming other wildlife.

Monitoring efforts are also intense, with 12 to 14 traps strategically placed across the city, checked weekly to keep a pulse on the evolving mosquito situation.

These traps provide crucial data, guiding where and when to intensify control measures. Despite these efforts, the sheer scale of the current population indicates the immense challenge faced.

Beyond the immediate nuisance of itchy bites, there's a more serious concern lurking: the potential for West Nile Virus (WNV).

While WNV activity typically peaks in late July and early August, the current high mosquito numbers naturally elevate the risk. Public health officials are urging residents to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their families from this mosquito-borne illness.

Preventative measures are key.

Residents are advised to slather on insect repellent, preferably one containing DEET, Icaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Wearing long sleeves and pants, especially during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, can also offer significant protection. Furthermore, vigilance in eliminating standing water around homes – emptying bird baths, cleaning gutters, and overturning containers – can drastically reduce breeding sites and help curb the population right at the source.

As Saskatoon battles this formidable foe, the message is clear: 'It's gotten worse.' But by understanding the problem and working together on preventative strategies, residents can hopefully reclaim their outdoor spaces and enjoy a less-bitten summer.