All signs – or in this case, bites – point to an influx of mosquitoes in Winnipeg. According to city data for July 2, the average nuisance mosquito trap count was 41, and the highest number was recorded in Charleswood at a whopping 218. “There will be more mosquitoes than we had last year, but we don’t think it will be an exorbitant number,” David Wade, the city’s insect control branch superintendent, told CTV News Winnipeg on Thursday. He blames heavy rainfall in June for the surge in trap count numbers. “Based on the amount of rain that we got in June, these mosquitoes that we’re seeing now are from that rainfall event,” Wade said. “These numbers are not unexpected.” Environment and Climate Change Canada data shows 154.2 mm of precipitation fell in the city last month, making it the 11th wettest June on record. Those latest trap count numbers have pushed the city’s adulticiding factor analysis (ADA) level to a medium. The city uses ADA guidelines to determine if conditions warrant launching a mosquito fogging program, which is only triggered when that level hits high. “We’re monitoring the conditions on a daily basis right now,” Wade said. “If the AFA gets too high, there’s a possibility of [fogging] happening and we’re ready to go if need be.” Wade said city crews were busy throughout June larviciding public spaces like parks, boulevards, and cemeteries. He is urging homeowners to get rid of standing water on their properties. “The more they can reduce standing water, then less mosquito larvae develop, and less adult mosquitoes are out there,” Wade explained. “And getting rid of standing water also reduces the moisture and humidity in your backyard and is less attractive to those mosquitoes as well.” Residents can register for insect control program notifications through the city’s website.
