Achi news desk-
A local mosquito expert says this summer’s drought may not bring the relief it used to from the hungry insects.
John Swann is a former professor of entomology at the University of Calgary and currently a specialist for ABI Environmental Services. He says a newer type of mosquito found in Edmonton and Calgary may be resistant to hot, dry conditions.
“We’re in a drought so you’d expect the mosquito population overall would be lower this year,” Swann said.
“The problem is the new kid on the block, culex pipiens, which has gradually moved north here. It is known as either the northern house mosquito or the common house mosquito. It does well in urban environments and does great in warm and dry conditions.”
Even worse, Swann said, its numbers appear to be on the rise, and it is a noted carrier of West Nile virus.
“It used to be mosquitoes that really caused West Nile, which is native, to show up in June, late June, July. This thing shows up in May,” says Swann. “These things will mature in a week from egg to adult and they will bite you.”
The City of Calgary says it’s too soon to know how bad this year will be for mosquitoes.
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Rachelle Nuytten is the parks and open space spokesperson for the City of Calgary.
“We haven’t actually started our mosquito monitoring program yet here in Calgary. Over the next few weeks, we will start to do that and get a better sense of what numbers we will have this year.”
Nuytten says it’s never too early to prevent mosquitoes from moving into your yard.
“He gets rid of all the shallow standing water, and also regularly goes out into empty birdbaths, empty flower pots, anything that might be collecting rainwater.”
Mosquitoes carry West Nile virus after biting infected birds.
Alberta Health says one in five people who become infected with West Nile can suffer serious effects. Those most at risk are those over 50 years of age.
Swann says he knows the dangers first hand.
“I know someone who suffered from it and had to retire because they could barely function neurologically. It can be very dangerous. The neurological effects, it can even kill people. At the same time, other people can get it and it’s just a cold.”
The City of Calgary says take precautions; Wear lighter colors, avoid dawn and dusk if possible and use mosquito repellents.
Swann says the repellent is most effective if it has DEET or Icaridine as an ingredient.
& copy 2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
