A year ago at this time, mosquitos were beginning to emerge and other insects were slowly coming out of hibernation.
It’s a far cry from what Manitoba is experiencing right now, as spring snow continues through the week.
Manitoba’s spring snow storm didn’t reach the historic proportions some had been expecting, but Environment Canada says the province isn’t quite out of the woods yet.
Rudi Pawlychyn / Global News
“Last year at this time it was like 20 degrees and bugs were out already. And with mosquitoes, they wait for the right conditions,” said Taz Stuart, entomologist with Poulin’s Pest Control.
With another bout of snow and rain expected over the weekend, Stuart says Winnipeggers won’t have to worry about slapping biting insects anytime soon.
Mosquitos need standing water and warmer conditions in order to begin reproducing, Stuart says, adding that the peak of this year’s mosquito season will take place later than usual.
“It’s too cold, and the long-range forecast looking at the next seven days, you’re looking at very cool temperatures.”
The tables could turn quickly though, “if temperatures rise dramatically in the weeks to come.”
“If it gets hot really fast, that melts everything the water bodies come, (mosquitos will) actually have the eggs that are sitting there, turn into larvae and then start developing,” Stuart continued.
As for when bugs of a different variety will begin buzzing, the cold weather also plays a part.
“The spring is a super-sensitive period for them,” said professor Rob Currie, an entomologist with a focus on wasps and bees at the University of Manitoba.
“They’re trying to establish new nests, and if conditions are tough, it really reduces the chance that they’ll successfully establish.”
If the unseasonably cold weather continues, fewer wasps will be in the air come the dog days of summer across the province.
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Monica has a BA in Journalism and English from the University of Massachusetts and an MS in Journalism and Communications from Quinnipiac University. Monica has worked as a journalist for over 20 years covering all things entertainment. She has covered everything from San Diego Comic-Con, The SAG Awards, Academy Awards, and more. Monica has been published in Variety, Swagger Magazine, Emmy Magazine, CNN, AP, Hidden Remote, and more. For the past 10 years, she has added PR and marketing to her list of talents as the president of Prime Entertainment Publicity, LLC. Monica is ready for anything and is proudly obsessed with pop culture.
