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Ontario residents can expect to see plenty of mosquitoes over the Civic Holiday long weekend as experts warn that recent weather conditions have created ideal breeding conditions across the province.
Entomologists say a cool spring delayed the start of mosquito season, but a wet and humid July has led to a sharp increase in populations.
Alice Sinia, an entomologist with Orkin Canada, says the combination of warm temperatures, frequent rainfall and abundant standing water has created favourable conditions for mosquitoes to thrive.
The greatest numbers are expected in southern Ontario and cottage country, where lakes, ponds and wetlands provide ideal breeding habitats.
At the same time, health officials are monitoring the spread of West Nile virus.
Mosquitoes carrying the virus have tested positive in Brampton, Renfrew County, Ajax, Markham, Halton Region, Windsor Essex, Toronto, Durham Region and York Region.
Two human cases have been reported in Ontario this year, one in eastern Ontario and the other in Toronto.
According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, the highest risk period for infection runs from the middle of July until early September.
Most people infected with West Nile virus never develop symptoms, but some experience fever, headaches, body aches, swollen lymph nodes and rashes. More severe cases can involve muscle weakness, paralysis, confusion and high fever.
Health officials recommend using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, repairing damaged screens and eliminating standing water around homes.
Experts expect mosquito numbers to begin declining as temperatures cool later in the fall.
(Written by: Branden Rushton)
