Hot Summer Ahead? Spring Drought Reduces Midge Populations, But Asian Tiger Mosquitoes Loom
Reduced water conditions inhibit mosquito populations - albeit temporarily, until the arrival of summer.
A dry spring is a welcome relief for many with fewer biting midges in sight. Renke Lühken, a researcher from the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine in Hamburg, explains that the drought has created fewer breeding grounds, leading to fewer midges. However, this trend might not last through summer.
Carsten Pusch, deputy state chairman of Schleswig-Holstein's Nature Conservation Association (NABU), comments, "I've never seen so few biting midges in one year." The drought has also impacted artificial breeding waters and wetlands, reducing the midge population in gardens.
Despite the lull, experts caution that this dry spring has no bearing on the summer's midge activity. As summer comes, flood midges may become a concern due to their resilient eggs. If heavy rains occur, they will inevitably flood, leading to infestations.
A Growing Concern: The Asian Tiger Mosquito
The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes Albopictus), which has been established in southern Germany for nearly ten years, is causing worry. This species is spreading across Germany and experts believe it will eventually bring tropical viruses to the country. Berlin currently hosts the northernmost population, and the mosquito's range is expanding.
The German Federal Environmental Agency warns that the Asian tiger mosquito can transmit West Nile virus, dengue, and Zika viruses in affected regions. In Berlin, the health department encourages citizens to report finding Asian tiger mosquitoes to help track their spread.
The Asian tiger mosquitoes are small, with a black body, white patterns, and white bands on their legs. If you find one, don't crush it; instead, freeze it overnight and submit it in a small container as soon as possible.
Climate Change and the Spread of Disease
Climate change is playing a significant role in the spread and activity of Asian tiger mosquitoes. Rising temperatures are making them increasingly active and widespread. European countries may see an increase in average summer temperature of 1 °C, which could increase outbreak risks by 55%[3].
These mosquitoes can transmit several serious diseases, such as dengue fever, Chikungunya, and West Nile virus[2]. Public health officials stress the importance of early warning systems, strengthened surveillance, and education about the risks[3]. Researchers are also developing vector control programs tailored to the local climate[4].
References
- ntv.de, als/dpa
- Federal Environment Agency
- World Health Organization
- University of Oxford's Wildlife Conservation Research Unit
The Commission has also been consulted on the draft directive regarding the rising concerns of the Asian tiger mosquitoes, which are known to transmit various health-and-wellness threats such as dengue fever, Chikungunya, and West Nile virus. In the context of climate change, the increase in the activity and spread of these mosquitoes are of significant concern in environmental-science and public health sectors.
