Brace yourselves, Calgary. The mosquitoes are coming

And most Calgary mosquitoes are what Coker calls “flood” species. That is, they preferred to lay their eggs in permanent water sources formed by heavy rains and runoff rather than permanent reservoirs.

With the drought leaving large parts of the Calgary area less than saturated, not only is it difficult to find suitable habitats, but thirsty eggs on the ground may not be able to get the water they need.

Calgary mosquitoes prefer to lay their eggs in standing water sources from heavy rains and runoff rather than standing water bodies, said Alex Coker, Integrated Pest Management Technician for the City of Calgary. (The Weather Network)

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But if the weather is right, things can change in a hurry.

“Some of their eggs can lay dormant in the soil for five or more years,” Coker said.

“Even if we have five really dry years and one really wet year, all those eggs can hatch. So it depends on our rainfall.”