Weather conditions have created the ideal conditions for these pests. If you feel like you're slapping away more mosquitoes than usual this summer, you propably are.

Weather conditions this spring have created the ideal habitat for mosquitoes to thrive, according to M. Jackson, executive director of Pender Harbour Ocean Discovery Station. The higher-than-normal snowpacks, which caused high river levels combined with heavy rain created the, “perfect storm for mosquitoes.” 

There are 53 different species of mosquitoes in BC, but only the females bite people. Mosquitoes are attracted to light, heat and carbon dioxide. Some only target specific areas of the body. For example, if you live within 1.5 km of the coast, one species only attacks ankles.     

So What Can We Do About It? 

People should protect themselves with repellent against the more than 50 species of mosquitoes that live in B.C. There are good repellents, but you should NOT use the most well known DEET. Instead use products that contain picaridin, or icaradin which are highly effective, but not harmful. While mosquitoes do carry some viruses, they do not include Covid-19. Experts say that mosquitoes cannot spread Covid-19.

So if you are out and about, remember to wear a light coloured long sleeved shirt and pants and have some mosquitoe repellent near by.