Believe it or not: Mosquito season is starting in Ontario
Digital Reporter
Thursday, April 14, 2016, 3:56 PM - After a chilly start to the month, it's warming up in Ontario.
By the end of the week, temperatures will creep close to the 20-degree mark in many cities. That means it's only a matter of time before mosquitoes are buzzing about.
Ryan LaSalle, a private mosquito exterminator from LaSalle, Ont., told the CBC he's already seen mosquito larvae out in the community.
NOW ON YOUTUBE: Subscribe to The Weather Network's YouTube channel for access to the best weather-related videos in Canada VIEW THE CHANNEL | VIEWER VIDEOS | POPULAR NOW | SUBSCRIBE
Not a fan of bug bites? Here's how you can keep mosquitoes off your property:
- Reduce standing water, which is a common breeding ground for mosquitoes.
- Clean your eavestrough.
- Replace the water in bird baths and pet water dishes at least two times a week.
RELATED VIDEO ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: KEEP MOSQUITOES AWAY WITH ONE WEIRD TRICK:
If you plan on spending time outdoors:
- Use insect repellent on your exposed skin and clothing.
- Look for ingredients recommended by health officials.
- Wear long sleeves, pants and socks.
- Support your local county or city mosquito control programs.
- Limit outdoor activities between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
Should I be worried about the Zika virus?
"There is an ongoing low level of risk to Canadians travelling to countries with reported locally acquired Zika virus," Health Canada says on its website.
At the moment, health experts don't believe Zika will come to Canada because the mosquitoes that can carry and transmit the virus, Aedes Aegypti, and other types of Aedes mosquitoes, can't establish a population in Canada's climate.
People who plan on travelling to countries that are being impacted by the Zika virus are at risk of becoming infected. Wearing insect repellent, covering exposed skin when outdoors and keeping windows closed when indoors can limit that risk.
Health Canada is advising pregnant women or women planning a pregnancy to avoid travelling to countries experiencing Zika virus outbreaks.
If travel cannot be avoided, consult with a doctor prior to leaving Canada.
RELATED VIDEO: BRAZIL ATTEMPTS TO CONTROL MOSQUITO POPULATION:
