Mosquitoes in Poland. The expert explains. “This year there will be no mosquito plagues”

Although this year's May was extremely cool and brought some rainy days, according to the data of the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management, rainfall in most voivodships was lower than the average in 1991-2020. For this reason, mosquitoes do not have adequate breeding conditions.

– This year there will be no mosquito plagues. It would threaten us if we had a lot of water after heavy, summer rain. Mosquitoes always appear locally, just like other insects, but there are not many of them. We have a relatively dry spring and almost a decade of deepening hydrological drought. Hence, many such spring habitats have disappeared and there are fewer mosquitoes, as well as other water insects – says prof. Stanisław Czachorowski from the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn.

The scientist explains that mosquitoes have the best conditions for reproduction when there is a lot of shallow periodic water in the environment. He explained that these are, for example, puddles, places where the river pours, as well as small water reservoirs where there are no fish.

– Mosquitoes are excellent colonizers and quickly inhabit, whether they lay eggs in small water reservoirs, sometimes in barrels or somewhere under the roof – he emphasizes. According to the expert, the sudden growth of the mosquito population is unlikely. He emphasized that individual heavy rains or larger July rainfall can make there more water, and mosquitoes, as good colonists, can quickly rebuild the population. He adds, however, that puddles would have to stay at least 2-3 weeks, but the effect would only be local.

Czachorowski believes that the best methods of limiting mosquito population are natural ones.

– I think that the most effective method are their natural enemies: Jerzy, bats, swallows, generally insectivorous species, but also predatory insects, such as hornet, dragonflies and the like. Modern construction deprives these species of birds of breeding places, which means that their population is reduced. Local authorities should create new places for them, placing breeding booths – he emphasizes. The expert notes that there are also chemical methods of mosquito control, but they are harmful to the natural environment and should be used only in justified cases.

– There are also chemical methods, but they cause more damage than good. In extreme conditions, of course, there are possibilities of chemically combating mosquitoes, but rather we should take care of balance in nature – says Czachorowski. – In the tropical countries, where the denga or zika virus threatens, the mosquito number is tried to limit the number of mosquitoes by genetic modifications and releasing infertile males to the environment. In our conditions, however, I think that this is a matter of proper selection of herbaceous plants and trees in places where we care most – he added.

The professor also noted that together with global warming we can expect migration of southern mosquito species. He admitted, however, that currently there is no reason to worry, because it does not matter sanitary.

In Czachorowski's opinion, when there are the most mosquito, you should first of all choose the right time of the day to leave the house. He explained that mosquitoes do not like dry air and sun. If you can, it's also worth putting on a long -sleeved shirt for a walk. The professor pointed out that it will be effective to use repellents, i.e. mosquito preparations that can be bought in pharmacies. By going for a plot, you can get special fragrance candles, scaresing mosquitoes.