Mosquitoes likely to spike in next few weeks after wet weekend
Recent rainfall has created ideal breeding conditions. Peak season doesn't hit until mid-July, but a bloom is expected soon.
Calgary's recent heavy rainfall has created ideal conditions for a mosquito boom over the next couple of weeks. Dr. John Soghigian, an assistant professor at the University of Calgary's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine who studies mosquitoes and biting insects, said most local mosquito species use flooded areas to develop their immature stages.
Peak mosquito season typically doesn't arrive until mid-July, so it's still too early to predict how severe this summer will be. But Soghigian is cautiously optimistic the season won't match last year's relentless bug wave, which was fueled by persistent rainfall throughout the summer. However, he noted that last year's large populations may still have eggs waiting to hatch — meaning their offspring could contribute to this year's numbers.
The City of Calgary's "skeeter meter" is currently in the green zone, indicating low mosquito numbers. If significant rainfall continues, the city could see increased numbers by late June. Summer weather forecasts will be the deciding factor.