Alberta’s summer 2022 ‘buzz-kill’ for mosquitos

A University of Calgary mosquito expert says the summer of “2022 is looking like a real buzz-kill for the winged insects in Alberta,” because of years of drought.

“While we’re seeing a few more mosquitoes right now, it’s all relative,” says John Swann, an entomologist at the University of Calgary.

“We are in the fourth year of a drought cycle in Alberta, and it’s been so dry that even when we get rain, there’s a huge capacity to soak up all the moisture.”

Swann says mosquitoes depend on water pools to breed. He also recalls the summer of 2011, when there were a big number of biting pests, forcing Edmonton’s CFL team to play inside.

But, he says this year won’t be too bad.

It’s going to be one lousy summer – for mosquitoes, that is. Despite rain and heat and more rain, Dept. of Biological Sciences mosquito expert (& self-avowed admirer) John Swann says 2022 is looking like a real buzz-kill for the winged insects in Alberta. https://t.co/COLsVpsvOX pic.twitter.com/XzqvyeipnF

— UCalgary Science (@ucalgaryscience) July 6, 2022

Alexandra Pepperdine, an integrated pest management technician at the City of Calgary, says there could be higher numbers of mosquitoes in some areas in Calgary than in other parts of the city depending on the amount of rain.

“There does tend to be a lot more habitat on the east side of the city, so we typically see more mosquitoes there than we see in other areas,” said Pepperdine.

She adds they see higher numbers of mosquitos in the summer.

‘West Nile still a serious concern’

“Just because the number of mosquitoes isn’t that bad doesn’t mean you can go without repellent,” Swann cautions.

Drought areas decrease the number of breeding flies, but in return, it increases the number of thirsty birds who might be carrying the West Nile virus.

Swann explains that the low number of mosquitoes who bite birds, could get infected with the virus — transmit it through biting — affecting the nervous system.

He also asks people to protect themselves from mosquito bites by using repellents — wearing long sleeves, pants, and lighter colours can help in keeping flies away.

When asked about electric repellents, Swann said “studies on those electrified zappers show they actually attract more mosquitoes to your yard than were there in the first place.”

He adds, “basically, if it sounds too good to be true, chances are, it is.”

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Despite it all, mosquitoes essential for the ecosystem

Swann says mosquitoes help the ecosystem by offering a pool of food for fish, birds, and bats.

He adds male mosquitoes are pollinators, as they feed on nectar from flowers instead blood.

With files from Pete Curtis.