Although this year hasn't seen a large number of mosquitoes, the mosquitoes that are present have a greater potential for carrying the West Nile virus.

Culex Tarsalis are the most common type of mosquito for carrying the virus and they are currently dominating the mosquito population in Saskatchewan.

Knowing the time of day that mosquitoes are most active is very useful information.

"We're advising people to take precautions when they are out and about," said Phil Curry, West Nile Virus Coordinator with The Saskatchewan Ministry of Health. "Particularly in the evening when this mosquito becomes very active. It's active at temperatures above 15 degrees, so on warm evenings and throughout the night."

People may not realize that their own yards can be a breeding ground for the Culex Tarsalis mosquito.

"People's backyards have a lot of potential for Culex Tarsalis," added Curry. "It's very important to make sure that you have no standing water in your yards. Culex Tarsalis will lay several batches of eggs and bite many times."

The Culex Tarsalis mosquito is generally quite small in size compared to other types of mosquitos. 

So far there have been no confirmed cases of the West Nile virus infecting humans in Saskatchewan. However, there have been two lab tests that have tested positive.

Below are the lab results from last week and the whole mosquito season so far in Saskatchewan. Photo is courtesy of The Saskatchewan Ministry of Health.