It’s springtime in Ontario, and we all know what that means – mosquitos.
For Ontarians, mosquitos tend to be a warm weather annoyance. At a minimum, their bites cause itchy bumps that can put a damper on outdoor activities. In some areas of the world, these pests can transmit serious viruses to humans, such as West Nile virus and malaria.
Did you know that there are more than 3000 species worldwide? In Ontario, we have about 60 species. And while we may think that mosquitos seem to feast mostly on us (and horses, birds, and cattle), some species actually feed on plant sugars and nectar as well.
What’s more, those “skitters do actually play an important role in our local environment. They are a source of food for various creatures, including frogs, dragonflies, birds, and bats.
Regardless, no one enjoys being hounded by mosquitos. Here are some tips to help avoid being a bug buffet while enjoying the beauty of the Lang Hastings trail:
- Try avoiding the times when mosquitos are most active, which is between dusk and dawn.
- Cover yourself! That means pants, long sleeves, socks, and shoes. Light-coloured clothing is more effective.
- Insect repellent works well too. Choose types that contan DEET or other ingredients such as oil of lemon eucalyptus. DEET also works to protect from tick bites.
- For those children who are too young for insect repellent, cover strollers with mosquito netting. And speaking of netting…
- …although you may get a few looks, you can purchase mosquito netted clothing to help prevent bites naturally.
By taking some simple precautions, you can still get out and enjoy the Lang Hastings Trail – even when battling the bugs.