Saskatoon mosquito numbers plunge due to scorching summer weather trend
Saskatoon’s hot and dry conditions are impacting the mosquito population.
Sydney Worthy, an entomologist with the City of Saskatoon, says during the heatwave, numbers were “drastically lower” than the 10-year average.
While mosquitoes like the heat, Worthy says without the moisture, breeding numbers have fallen off.
“The hot, dry conditions we've had the last few months, it’s reducing a lot of the standing water — and that's good breeding habitat for mosquitoes. So we're seeing lower numbers, mostly due to that,” she told CTV News.
But in southeastern Saskatchewan, numbers are up, according to the province.
Mid-July marks the time of year when Culex, a mosquito species capable of carrying the West Nile virus, come out.
The province says all tests have come back negative.
PESTS ALSO A FOOD SOURCE
Renny Grilz, resource management officer for the Meewasin Valley Authority, says the drop-off in mosquitos could impact some birds and bats.
“There’s a lot of insect-eating species, so things like bats — which are an endangered species here in Saskatchewan — and then a lot of our grassland birds are insectivores,” Grilz said.
“I think we’re going to see populations maybe suffering next year if we don’t get more precipitation next year.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.