Ottawa's Mosquito Season Is Here — Here's How to Fight Back
Ottawa's summer has officially arrived — and unfortunately, so have the mosquitoes. As temperatures climb and humidity settles in across the Ottawa-Gatineau region, residents are noticing a sharp uptick in mosquito activity that's making backyard hangouts and evening walks a lot less pleasant.
Why This Summer Feels Especially Buzzy
Mosquitoes thrive in warm, humid conditions, and this season's weather has been a perfect incubator. Standing water from recent rainfall — in ditches, gutters, bird baths, and even overturned flowerpots — gives mosquito larvae the ideal breeding ground. Once temperatures consistently hit the mid-20s and above, the development cycle accelerates, meaning populations can boom seemingly overnight.
The Ottawa-Gatineau area, with its proximity to the Ottawa River, Rideau River, and numerous wetlands and green spaces, is particularly prone to high mosquito counts during humid stretches. Residents in areas like Gloucester, Orléans, and Gatineau's riverside neighbourhoods often feel the impact first.
Protecting Yourself This Season
Public health experts recommend a few straightforward steps to reduce your exposure:
- Dump standing water around your property at least once a week. Mosquitoes can breed in as little as a bottle cap of water.
- Use insect repellent containing DEET, icaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus for effective protection.
- Wear long sleeves and pants during peak mosquito hours — dawn and dusk — when the insects are most active.
- Install or repair window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
- Consider mosquito-repelling plants like citronella, lavender, and basil for your garden or patio.
West Nile Virus: What Ottawa Residents Should Know
While most mosquito bites are just an itchy nuisance, Ottawa Public Health monitors mosquito populations each summer for West Nile virus (WNV). The virus, transmitted by infected mosquitoes, causes mild flu-like symptoms in most people, though serious illness can occur in a small percentage of cases — particularly among older adults and those with compromised immune systems.
Ottawa Public Health typically begins its annual mosquito surveillance program in late spring, testing pools of mosquitoes collected at trap sites across the city. Residents are encouraged to check the city's public health updates for any confirmed WNV detections as the season progresses.
Making the Most of Summer Despite the Bugs
Don't let mosquitoes derail your summer plans. Ottawa's parks, patios, and riverside trails are still well worth enjoying — just come prepared. Portable fans on patios are surprisingly effective at keeping mosquitoes away, as the insects are weak fliers. Citronella candles add ambiance while helping keep the pests at bay.
If you notice unusually high mosquito activity in a specific area — especially near stagnant water on public property — you can report it to the City of Ottawa, which has a standing water complaint line and conducts larviciding treatments in some areas.
Summer in Ottawa is short and precious. A few extra precautions can go a long way toward making sure the only things buzzing this season are good vibes.
Source: CBC Ottawa
