They're itchy, they're annoying, and their numbers are spiking. Mosquitos are taking advantage of recent rains and warm temperatures to hatch and spread throughout the southeast. 

"The mosquito population is bound to spike at this time of year," said Estevan's Parks and Facilities Manager, Rod March. "We know that. And these Aedes vexans are the most aggressive of all the mosquitos."

"We knew it was dry, now we have these big rain events. These eggs that sit in the ditch line, sit out in lower elevations, will sit there for seven, eight, nine years waiting for the appropriate amount of rain to come. Once that rain hits them and the temperatures are favourable, then those eggs will hatch."

"We know there are billions of eggs out there just waiting for favourable conditions so we've done everything within the city and within three kilometres of the city to pretty much control all the larvae but those things are going from everywhere. It's not usual to see a huge spike in numbers."

March added that the city does not do any mosquito control on private property and urges all residents to get rid of standing water.

"That is a significant source, like tires that people have lying around that get standing water in them. They are ideal breeding grounds. Eavestroughs are another ideal breeding ground if water gets into them."

The City of Estevan is also keeping a close eye on the Emerald Ash borer beetle and the Dutch elm beetle. It is too early in the season to know if any are in the area but March said that they will continue to monitor throughout the summer.