More than a nuisance, mosquitoes can be deadly
Mosquitoes kill more people each year than any other creature in the world.
In Canada, they’re mostly a nuisance. Still, the bites of some mosquitoes make people ill.
In Ontario, alone, 72 people were sickened in 2024 by West Nile Virus, a mosquito-borne disease, reports Health Canada.
A few human cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis also were reported in the country. The virus killed an Ottawa resident.
As the climate grows warmer, mosquito season is getting longer and species are moving into new regions, reports the World Mosquito Program. As such, the risk of mosquito-borne disease is likely to increase in Canada.
Protect your family, pets from mosquitoes
Deadly or not, mosquitoes can make outdoor activities unpleasant if not impossible. It’s hard to enjoy the patio and pool with friends and family when you’re swatting the buzzers and scratching angry red welts.
It’s no fun for your pets either. Infected mosquitoes transmit heartworm to dogs.
Take steps now to significantly reduce mosquitoes on your property. The experts at Pest HQ, Ontario’s leading source for DIY pest control products, suggest the following:
Tip and toss – Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water. Eggs quickly hatch into more biting, egg-laying adults. Interrupt the breeding cycle by dumping water that has collected in plant saucers, tarps, buckets, metal fire pits, kiddie pools, toys, wheel barrels, birdbaths. Dump water from items every 3 days.
Fix bigger issues – Clean clogged gutters yearly and replace corrugated plastic downspout extenders with straight, smooth extenders. Regrade low areas of the yard where water collects and sits.
Kill mosquito larvae. Apply a Health Canada-approved larvicide, such as Bacillus thuringiensis, to water in ditches and ornamental ponds, which cannot be tossed or tipped.
Repel adult mosquitoes with non-toxic garlic oil. For use near patios and decks, the professional-grade Mosquito-less brand delivers several weeks of repellency. Learn more about garlic oil for mosquito control.
Get garlic oil shipped fast or pick up at Pest HQ: 7 Meridian Rd, Etobicoke, Monday – Friday, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.
Questions? Contact the experts at Pest HQ!
Read more:
How to mosquito-proof your yard
