Beat the Bites: A Temporary Reprieve from Tiger Mosquito and Midges, Thanks to a Cold, Dry Spring - But Watch Out for Summer!
Dry conditions hamper mosquito populations, offering a temporary reprieve until summer's arrival.
Embrace the mosquito-free season (for now): As we venture through spring, many are praising the absence of the biting buggers. "Typically, I'd be riddled with bites by now, but not this year," explains Carsten Pusch, deputy state chairman of the Nature Conservation Union (NABU) in Schleswig-Holstein, and insect specialist. "The current drought we're experiencing has dried up many of the usual breeding sites for midges," he adds.
So, what's up with that? Well, according to Renke Lühken from the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine in Hamburg, warmer temperatures not only make it easier for the midges to reproduce, but they also help develop their eggs. With the recent dry spring, however, the breeding chances have taken a hit. If you've noticed a dearth of bites in your garden, consider this Mother Nature's gift. But, fret not, as this respite might not last into the summer months.
From Summer's Delight to Itchy Nightmare
Don't let your guard down, cautions Lühken: "The current dry conditions we're experiencing in spring have no impact on how much we'll be firing up our itch-relief creams come July and August." As it turns out, the extreme dryness in spring doesn't necessarily impact the summertime infestations of biting midges. And, to drive the point home, Lühken suggests, "Just because you're free from their bites now doesn't mean you can't get bitten to bits come summer."
Taking the stage at this less-than-ideal performance is the "flood midge." Known for their eggs' ability to remain dormant during times of drought for several years, these undesirable guests become active as soon as the summer rains kick in, bringing a plague of bites in their wake. So, when the weather warms up, those rain barrels, bird baths, and other sources of water could quickly become breeding grounds, leaving you swatting at these pests once again.
The Tiger Midge: A Menace from the East
The Asian Tiger Midge (Aedes Albopictus) has been lurking in Germany's shadow, just waiting to make its mark: "This specie has been firmly established in southern Germany for almost a decade now, with the northernmost population making an appearance in Berlin," explains Lühken. A cause for concern, the Tiger Midge has a knack for spreading diseases previously known only to subtropical and tropical regions.
As a matter of fact, the German Environment Agency states that the Tiger Midge can transmit the West Nile virus, dengue, and Zika viruses in affected regions. But fear not - keep an eye out, and if you suspect you've encountered one of these pests, snap a photo, freeze it, and send it in for testing. Here's what Lühken advises: "Their unique dark body with distinctive white patterns and white rings on their hind legs make them easy to identify."
Sources:
- ntv.de, as/dpa
Keywords:
- Tiger Midge
- Climate Change
- Drought
- Disease Transmission
- NABU
With the recent drought impacting the breeding patterns of biting midges, the warmer summer months may bring a surge of these pests. Meanwhile, the Asian Tiger Midge, a disease-carrying insect, has been being established in Germany, raising concerns for potential disease transmission in the future.
The Commission has also been consulted on the draft directive for addressing the potential surge of biting midges in the warmer summer months, as climate change may contribute to their increased breeding. In light of this, promoting scientific research in environmental science, particularly in the field of health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and mental-health, becomes crucial for developing effective solutions. Additionally, the scientific community should continue monitoring the Asian Tiger Midge, a disease-carrying insect that has been established in Germany, to ensure early detection and prevent potential outbreaks of diseases like West Nile virus, dengue, and Zika.
