If you’ve noticed more mosquitoes than usual this summer, you’re not imagining it.
Mosquito populations naturally fluctuate from year to year depending on weather conditions such as rainfall, temperature and the amount of standing water available for breeding. This year, an exceptionally wet June created ideal breeding conditions across Chestermere.
Standing water collected in storm ponds, roadside ditches, parks, low-lying areas and even backyards, creating thousands of places for mosquitoes to lay eggs. More standing water means more breeding sites, which means more mosquitoes.
The City is actively managing mosquito populations using a science-based approach that targets mosquitoes before they become biting adults.
Why the City Targets Mosquitoes at the Source
Rather than waiting until mosquitoes have already emerged, City crews treat standing water with larvicide.
Larvicide interrupts the mosquito life cycle by targeting mosquito larvae before they hatch. After weeks of heavy rain, mosquitoes can develop anywhere standing water remains. Treating breeding sites helps reduce mosquito populations before they become flying, biting adults.
This science-based approach is:
- More effective following prolonged periods of rain
- Targets mosquitoes at the source
- Safe for people, pets and wildlife when used as directed
- Designed to provide longer-lasting mosquito control
Spraying only affects adult mosquitoes in a specific location for a short period of time. After a wet month, new mosquitoes continue emerging from standing water throughout the community.
Chestermere is also surrounded by wetlands, agricultural lands and other natural areas where mosquitoes breed. Even if adult mosquitoes were sprayed within city limits, mosquitoes from surrounding areas can continue moving into the community. Targeting breeding sites is the most effective long-term approach to reducing mosquito populations.
How You Can Help
Mosquitoes don’t just breed on public land. Standing water around homes can also become breeding habitat.
After rainfall, help reduce mosquito breeding by emptying water from:
- Buckets
- Birdbaths
- Children’s toys
- Planters and plant saucers
- Kiddie pools
- Wheelbarrows
- Tarps or covers that collect water
- Any other container where water can collect
Even a small amount of standing water can produce hundreds of mosquitoes.
By reducing standing water around your home, you’re helping reduce mosquito populations throughout the community.
Looking Ahead
As the weather becomes warmer and drier, standing water naturally begins to disappear, reducing the places where mosquitoes can breed. Mosquito numbers typically decline as conditions change.
The City will continue monitoring conditions, treating breeding areas where appropriate, and adjusting its mosquito control program as needed.
FAQ: Mosquito Control in Chestermere
Why doesn’t the City spray?
Spraying only affects adult mosquitoes that are flying in a specific location at a specific time. After a wet month, new mosquitoes continue emerging from standing water throughout the community, making spraying a short-term solution.
Chestermere is also surrounded by wetlands, agricultural lands and other natural areas where mosquitoes breed. Adult mosquitoes can continue moving into the community from these surrounding areas. Targeting mosquito larvae before they hatch is the most effective way to reduce mosquito populations over time.
Is larvicide safe?
Yes. The larvicide used by the City specifically targets mosquito larvae and is safe for people, pets and wildlife when applied according to label directions.
Why are mosquitoes worse this year?
An exceptionally wet June created ideal breeding conditions across Chestermere. More standing water created more places for mosquitoes to breed, resulting in higher mosquito numbers throughout the community.
What can I do to help?
Empty standing water around your property after rainfall. Buckets, birdbaths, planters, toys and other containers can all become mosquito breeding sites if water is left standing.
Will the mosquitoes go away on their own?
Mosquito populations typically decline as the season progresses and conditions become warmer and drier. As standing water evaporates, there are fewer places for mosquitoes to breed.
The City will continue monitoring mosquito activity and treating breeding areas where appropriate throughout the season.