It's that time of the summer when the Culex tarsalis mosquito, the breed capable of carrying the West Nile virus, rears its blood-sucking head in Saskatchewan.

"We have captured two Culex tarsalis mosquitoes late last week in two separate traps," said Geoff McLeod, superintendent of urban forestry for the City of Saskatoon.

One of the mosquitoes was found at the Forestry Farm, where McLeod said the first capture usually occurs. The other was caught in a trap in the Buena Vista neighborhood.

McLeod said that amount is normal for this time of the year, especially considering the recent wet, warm weather.

However, he adds it's important to start wearing mosquito spray that contains DEET, especially in the evening.

"In the evening is when Culex tarsalis is active. They're really not noticeable because when they bite you don't notice it as much as you would with nuisance mosquito, that real painful bite that you're going to get during the day," said McLeod.

West Nile virus can include flu-like symptoms, but many cases go undetected.

McLeod said the last known human case of West Nile virus in Saskatchewan was in 2010.

bmcadam@rawlco.com

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