Mosquito trap counts high in Winnipeg as city begins fogging

(File image. Source: Center for Disease Control and Prevention / James Gathany)

It's a familiar feeling for any Manitoban.

"One's trying to bite me right now!" exclaimed Amy Peters, who was bit by a mosquito.

Winnipeggers out for a walk in Kildonan Park Sunday were left swatting away mosquitoes.

"I've been bit like five times already," said Gabriel Buckberrough.

The park is the city's worst place for mosquitoes.

According to the city's trap counts, there were 102 mosquitoes captured in Kildonan Park on Sunday -- a day prior, that number was a much higher 448.

A city-wide average of 88 mosquitoes per trap on Saturday is prompting the City of Winnipeg to start fogging for adults.

Entomologist Taz Stuart says the numbers aren't surprising. 

There is lots of standing water across the province, which is perfect for mosquitoes to breed in.

He said his company has been getting a lot of calls about mosquitoes from places outside of Winnipeg.

"For us, we've been fogging small towns deliberately and fogging for a lot more events, weddings being an example, or backyard parties, so it shows that there is a pressure out there," said Stuart.

Stuart says people should be sure to dump or cover any standing water on their properties right now.

As for avoiding getting bit, he offers these tips, "Avoid times mosquitoes are most active, you know, dawn and dusk," noted Stuart,

"Wear light coloured clothing, loose-fitting," he added, "Also important, wear Deet or paraben product." 

Even though the insects are thriving this summer, it isn't stopping people from enjoying the outdoors.

"We went and walked all around the edge of the park, and it's been great. It's such a gorgeous park. It's worth a couple of mosquitoes," said Linda Epp, who was taking a walk in Kildonan park.