Article content

If you’re planning to spend your summer hiking through Ontario’s beautiful forests, camping or relaxing outside at the cottage — it may be time to think again.

Mosquito levels are at their highest in years and it’s only June.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Mosquitoes from hell: Why you shouldn't go outside unless you're prepared to get eaten alive Back to video

Toronto and Ontario saw an increase in rainfall this Spring, leading to a large number of stagnant water sites throughout the province, said Jessica Fang, a biologist with the Toronto and Region Conservation Association.

“The mosquitoes got a head start in the season,” she said. “We’re predicting a higher than normal count of mosquitoes this summer.”

Photo by Courtesy of Doug O'Neill

Avid hiker Doug O’Neill, 57, is a freelance writer who has already experienced the onslaught of mosquitoes this season.

He is a member of the Toronto chapter of the Bruce Trail club and has enjoyed trekking up new terrain for the last 25 years — but this year, the mosquitoes are especially bad.

“Mosquitoes were out in full force,” O’Neill said. “They were nasty.”