The dreaded mosquito season is upon us with the first batch of larvae appearing on stagnant lakes and ponds.

Hatching season begins in just a few short weeks with experts anticipating a much higher number of mosquito's this summer than last year.

Summer and spring were very dry last year preventing mosquitoes from breeding and laying their eggs.

Jeff Fleischer, Supervisor of Agricultural Services with Rocky View County, said warm weather and rain create the perfect environment for mosquitoes.

"It's due to the dry weather and recent rains, if the weather warms up quickly it makes an excellent breeding ground for mosquitoes."

With the influx of rain over the past few weeks backyards and gutters are collecting water, creating the perfect place for the long-legged fly to lay their eggs.

"The best thing is to keep yards free from any standing water, puddles, drain any gutters, and any backyard pools."

To protect yourself from a bite, Fleischer said it's important to use products with deet and covering up when outdoors.

A major concern for many people is the risk of the Zika Virus, but Fleischer said that in Alberta there is not much concern of contracting the virus.

"We don't have to worry about Zika here, the mosquitoes that we have do not carry the Zika Virus. Our biggest concern would be West Nile Virus, so make sure you protect yourself when you go outside."

Mosquito season usually begins in June and ends with the frost in September.