While mosquitoes are a major nuisance most summers, this year mosquito populations are abnormally low.

Shawn Dias Parks Manager for the City of Morden suggests weather played a large part in the lower counts.

"I'm not an entomologist, so I can't speak for exactly the reasons why there were more mosquitoes last year than this year, but I would suspect it's environmental conditions," Dias says.

The Culex tarsalis mosquitoes which can carry West Nile Virus (WNV), need warm dry springs for its young to develop. However, while the beginning of our spring was ideal for their development when the spring shifted to cooler wetter weather it likely hampered the mosquitoes' growth.

Low mosquito numbers are also due in part to the diligent work of both the City of Winkler and Morden

Director of Parks and Recreation in Winkler Rick Denison explains the City controls mosquito populations through a process called larviciding.

"Our main method is to try and reduce standing water. When larvae are present we use a larviciding agent which targets larvae and eliminates them before they can hatch," Denison explains. "Should there be a hatch which results in our threshold being met, then fogging would be considered."

He notes this year they're no longer using Malathion, but instead employing a more environmentally friendly product called DeltaGard.

However, with such low activity Denison explains Winkler doesn't have its traps in the field. Morden checks their traps twice a week and also confirms that adult mosquito numbers are low.

The first case of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes infected with West Nile Virus has been identified by Manitoba Health in the Pembina Valley by traps in the Altona area.

At this time, no cases of humans infected with West Nile Virus have been identified in Manitoba.

Dias says there's low risk of exposure to the disease in cities, but residents should be aware and follow the guidelines set by the Province to reduce the risk of mosquito bites and exposure to West Nile Virus:

-reducing the amount of time spent outdoors during peak mosquito hours between dusk and dawn;
-using appropriate mosquito repellent;
-wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing; and
-maintaining door and window screens so they fit tightly and are free of holes.

Residents can reduce the number of mosquitoes around their homes by eliminating standing water. To prevent the development of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes, homeowners can:
-clean eavestroughs and regularly empty bird baths, old tires and other items that collect water;
-ensure rain barrels are covered with mosquito screening or are tightly sealed around the downspout; and
-improve landscaping to prevent standing water around the home.

Information on the risk of West Nile virus will continue to be provided to the public throughout the summer. Residents can also check the WNV website regularly for up-to-date data and information.

Residents can also contact Health Links–Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or at 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free) for more information.