The Bugs are Back
July 30, 2010
Dig out your DEET
After two years of record low mosquito levels, City pest management officials are confirming the mosquito population is returning to a level more typical for Edmonton summers.
Because of the recent rainfall, the aggressive day feeding mosquitoes normally seen in spring are hatching and appearing alongside the evening mosquitoes more typical for this time of year.
The City is targeting any standing water to try to attack mosquitoes at the larvae stage. Crews are dispatched to check all areas of the city and spray where larvae have been found and encourage residents to remove any standing water. The City has added carbon dioxide traps to monitor for daytime species which are not easily captured by evening light traps.
“The recent wet weather caused a hatch of aggressive spring mosquito species and along with a hatch of evening mosquitoes that are typical this time of year, are the reason Edmontonians are seeing more mosquitoes overall,” says Mike Jenkins, City’s Parks Branch.
As you enjoy the outdoors and food festivals this weekend, the City encourages you to take necessary precautions:
- remove standing water on your property in which mosquitoes like to breed,
- wear long sleeves and pants,
- avoid areas with long grass or wooded, shaded areas, and
- use a repellent that contains DEET.
For more information:
Mike Jenkins
Urban Planning and Environment
Office of Environment, Sustainable Development
| Telephone | 780-496-6395 |
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