Drought's Surprising Silver Lining: Fewer Buzzing Blighters – But Be Aware of the Tiger Mosquito!
Reduced moisture conditions hinder mosquito populations, offering a brief respite until the warmest season arrives.
Looks like Mother Nature has a trick up her sleeve: the ongoing drought caused by climate change has led to fewer biting midges nationwide this spring - a temporary victory for our pesky foes. However, this lucky streak might not last through the sizzling summer months.
Renke Lühken, a specialist from the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine in Hamburg, explains, "With the severe drought, breeding spots are less common, thus reducing the number of biting midges." Many wetlands and shallow pools where midges traditionally hatch in spring have dried up, along with artificial breeding waters like rain barrels, causing a significant drop in the population. Carsten Pusch, the deputy state chairman of the Nature Conservation Association (NABU) in Schleswig-Holstein and an insect expert, echoes the sentiment: "I've never seen such a small number of biting midges in my life as I do this year!"
Alas, rejoice not for long! As Lühken warns, "This spring's unusually dry weather has no impact on how summer will be for mosquitoes. So, prepare yourself for a surge of bites in July and August!" While the drought adversely affects certain species of midges, others, such as floodplain midges, have eggs that can withstand drought for years. Should there be heavy rainfall in the summer, these eggs will likely hatch, resulting in unsuspected plagues of biting midges.
The Asian Tiger Mosquito: The Silent Invader
While the drought may have slowed down biting midges, a more significant concern arises in the form of the expanding Asian Tiger Mosquito (Aedes albopictus). Lühken shares, "This species has been firmly established in Southern Germany for almost a decade now, with the northernmost population situated in Berlin. It has continued its relentless march northward."
Dangerous Passengers
A major cause for concern is the potential transmission of tropical viruses that these mosquitoes carry. The Federal Environmental Agency states that Aedes albopictus can spread diseases such as West Nile, dengue, and Zika in affected regions. If you suspect you've encountered an Asian Tiger Mosquito, capture it carefully, freeze it overnight, and send it in a small container to your local health department as soon as possible.
Larger Spread of Pathogens
Climate Change Allows Mosquitoes to Be Active Longer
With global temperatures on the rise, these invasive mosquitoes are spreading to new territories, posing significant health risks. In deeply affected regions, dengue and chikungunya cases have seen a sharp increase, with Europe experiencing a record 304 dengue cases in 2024 alone. Urban and semi-urban areas are especially vulnerable to mosquito-borne diseases due to favorable temperature conditions during the summer.
European Action
Regions across Europe are scrambling to war against the invisible enemy. In South Tyrol, Italy, strict regulations have been put in place to prevent the mosquito population from exploding.
Viruses
- Dengue
- Chikungunya
- Zika
- West Nile
Climate Change
Parasites
- NABU
From the tropical jungles of their origin to the temperate cities of Europe, the Asian Tiger Mosquito's march continues. Being aware of their presence and methods of transmission can help minimize health risks during the warmer months.
*Sources:* ntv.de, as/dpa, 1, [2](https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/ Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 3, 4
The Commission has also been consulted on the draft directive addressing the growing threat of the Asian Tiger Mosquito, and the importance of environmental-science research in combating the mosquito's advance. In the face of climate change, the increased activity of mosquitoes like the Asian Tiger Mosquito presents a public health concern. Not only do they carry diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and West Nile, but their range expansion is linked to global warming. Frequent collaboration between scientific institutions and public health authorities is necessary to tackle these issues and ensure the health and well-being of all citizens.
