Mosquitoes Plague Saskatchewan with Numbers Soaring Past Previous Years

Residents of Saskatchewan are experiencing an unusually high number of mosquitoes this year, with counts significantly exceeding the 10-year average in both Regina and Saskatoon.

Data from Saskatoon shows an average of 168 mosquitoes per trap last week, a stark contrast to the five mosquitoes per trap recorded at the same time last year. Regina reported an average of 200 mosquitoes per trap, up from just 10 last year. Rural areas outside Regina saw even higher numbers, with over 400 mosquitoes compared to just eight in 2025.

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There is a buzz in the air, and it's not what people want to hear.

The surge in mosquito populations has led to widespread annoyance and a run on insect repellent. Many retailers have sold out of mosquito spray, and some have resorted to limiting the number of bottles customers can purchase.

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The 10-year average that I reported, the 12 mosquitoes on average per trap, that’s, you know, 10 years of drought so they definitely feel bad right now, but a lot of that might also be just because we aren’t used to seeing as many mosquitoes.

Georgiana Antochi-Crihan, an entomologist with the City of Saskatoon, attributes the increase to favorable breeding conditions created by rainfall and hot weather. She noted that after years of drought, the current abundance might feel more intense simply because people are less accustomed to seeing so many mosquitoes.

Antochi-Crihan added that the city is actively managing mosquito populations by applying Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti), a bacteria that specifically targets mosquitoes, after significant rainfall events if thresholds are met. Residents are also advised to eliminate standing water on their properties, such as in birdbaths and rain barrels, and to keep grass trimmed to help minimize breeding grounds.

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Our teams will go out after every significant rain event to go see if there is mosquito activity, and if they meet that threshold, they will apply a product known as Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis.