Summer may be winding down, but that doesn’t mean the risk of nuisance insects is gone. According to entomologist Taz Stuart, people think they no longer need to worry about bugs as autumn approaches and students return to school. However, he warned, that’s not the case. “Now, culex tarsalis mosquitos that can potentially carry West Nile virus, they’re at their highest level of potentially transmitting disease,” he said in an interview with Your Morning Winnipeg on Wednesday. “So, you still need to use personal protection measures.” Stuart noted that ticks are also still present this time of year, adding that they remain active from snowmelt to snowfall. He explained the arachnids wait in grassy and tree-lined areas to try to latch on to humans and recommended using a repellent as a safety measure. Stuart also warned of the risks of blacklegged ticks, which can carry Lyme disease. “The kids are in school now; they’re going to be playing in the playground, that is a grassy area. There could be ticks there,” he said. “So, it’s important to be protecting your children and doing the tick checks.” Beyond just mosquitos and ticks, Stuart said this is an aggressive time of year for wasps because their natural food sources are diminished. He explained wasps are attracted to certain smells, including food, so the best solution is to locate the wasp nest and treat it with the appropriate product. Stuart said there are also some products that can help keep wasps away altogether. “There are nice wasp bags you can go out and purchase and place, but don’t put them on your deck,” he said. “Put it in the far corner, so you want them to be attracted further away from where your food sources are.” Stuart said there’s also currently an influx of mice trying to get into people’s homes to seek warmth and food. He noted mice are able to sneak through small cracks and crevices, so it’s important to check your home’s foundation and remove any openings.
