The Ministry of Health in Saskatchewan is reminding residents and visitors of the province that it is the time of year to look out for the West Nile Virus.

Phil Curry, a consultant with the Ministry of Health, says he has been studying the insect for quite some time.

"I've been working on West Nile since it arrived in 2002," he noted. "Since that time, we have seen high years and low years, and it is very much dependent on the weather."

Curry says that as we get set to enter July, right now is time of year when the culex tarsalis mosquito starts to thrive.

"Typically what we see is this mosquito starts to build its population in late June and into July, and that is when the risk for West Nile starts to increase."

The main source of breeding for mosquitos is in stagnant water, so Curry suggests measures including emptying bird baths and buckets as a way to reduce population in your own yard.

They also enjoy bushy and shaded areas and are most active between dawn and dusk.

Using bug repellent and wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting long sleeves and pants are also good ways to combat the annoying pest.

Since the virus was first detected in the province, there have been 157 identified cases, resulting in 17 deaths.