Warm weather brings early signs of mosquitoes in Regina

Mosquitoes are popping up early this year in Regina thanks to the warm spring weather.

"Culex tarsalis is a warm-weather mosquito and it follows," explained Russell Eirich, the City of Regina's manager of forestry, pest control and horticulture, of the West Nile-carrying pest. "We're a full week earlier than usual."

He said in most years, they arrive sometime between June 15 and June 20.

According to Eirich, mosquito counts so far have been slightly above the historical average with 16 mosquitoes per trap. But he said that's still about 50 per cent less than last year's numbers.

"That's indicative that we're in a really dry cycle right now," he said of the decrease.

Eirich said there is still a possibility those numbers could rise with upcoming rainfalls. 

Tips to avoid mosquito bites:

• Use appropriate insect repellent when outdoors.
• Cover up. Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors.
• Reduce the amount of time spent outdoors during peak mosquito hours — between dusk and dawn.