Calgary's mosquito experts say it's hard to predict how bad mosquitoes will be this summer. They haven't seen many mosquitoes in traps.

There was a big rain in June, then it got cool. This affects the mosquito population, says Alex Coker.

It feels wet and cold. We're waiting for it to warm up to see more mosquitoes, says Coker.

In a normal year, mosquitoes are worst in July. We expect the same this year.

The city and university are trapping mosquitoes. They're finding half as many as usual.

We're getting less than 50 mosquitoes per trap. Last year, we got around 100 per trap, says Coker.

Calgary has about 30 types of mosquitoes, including the northern house mosquito.

The northern house mosquito is from Africa, Asia, and Europe. It can carry West Nile Virus.

If you get bitten by a mosquito with West Nile, you might not get sick. Some people get flu-like symptoms, says John Soghigian.

We know people in Alberta get West Nile. We're studying if the northern house mosquito is changing this, says Soghigian.

We use mosquito DNA to track its spread in Alberta.

The northern house mosquito does well in cool summers like Calgary's.

The city has programs to control mosquitoes. Residents can help by removing breeding areas.

Residents can get rid of areas where mosquitoes breed, like bird baths and flower pots.

Things like bird baths and flower pots can be breeding sites for mosquitoes, says Coker.

Check for containers that can hold water. Drain or cover them to stop mosquitoes. Keep your lawn short.

There are mosquitoes in Alberta that can carry malaria, but none have been found to cause it.

The city and university are doing a project to learn more about mosquitoes in Alberta.

People can help by catching mosquitoes and sending them to the lab.

The mosquitoes will be studied to learn more about them.

Last year, over 200 people helped and we got over 250 mosquitoes, says Soghgian.

We ask that you don't let the mosquito bite you. Just catch it and send it to us.

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