blood suckers back this week -- to the extreme! :(

[Darren Dirt]

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/entertainment/Edmonton+mosquitoes+ready+prime+time/4997078/story.html

The snow melt and recent heavy rains have created prime breeding conditions for mosquitoes that are most active at dawn and dusk.

The city has already seen more mosquitoes than in all of 2008. But the city data for the past 30 years shows the number of mosquitoes this year is average. It just seems like a lot because over the past three years Edmonton has seen few mosquitoes. In fact, 2008 had the lowest number recorded.

This year is bringing us ?back up to what is considered normal for the mosquito population?, said Mike Jenkins, a biological sciences technician with the city?s parks branch.

Near the end of July last year there was a spike in the type of mosquitoes that bite during the day. But this year that type has already come and gone, Jenkins said, and they aren?t expected to be back.

The mosquitoes that will be a problem are the ones that are faster and a more stealthy biter. They usually aren?t seen during the day though because they don?t like sunlight.

Want to prevent bites? Mike Jenkins, a biological sciences technician with the city?s parks branch, suggested wearing long sleeves and pants. He also recommended lightclothing over dark clothing, which absorbs heat and attracts more mosquitoes. Though the most effective way to keep off the pests is trading perfume for DEET.

[Lazybones]

Glad we don't have many around here.

[Mr. Analog]

I put on some Off! last night and enjoyed a fine cigar without getting one bite

[Darren Dirt]

They were bad yesterday afternoon and early evening... but seems Citronella worked fine.