Climate Change Fuels Mosquito Boom

The Asian tiger mosquito, scientifically named Aedes albopictus, has become more prominent in many neighborhoods recently. One listener, Abigail, has observed their increase in her eastern Massachusetts area.

Why are there more mosquitoes? This increase highlights a significant trend. Data from The Washington Post in 2024 showed that mosquito seasons in parts of the U.S. now last weeks longer.

Mosquitoes are considered the deadliest animals due to their disease transmission capabilities. Eastern Massachusetts residents, like Abigail Krich-Starr, face worsening mosquito problems. She noted, “Just being in our backyard each year has become harder and harder.”

Mosquito expert Doug Bidlack, working with the East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project, connects this mosquito rise to climate changes, including warmer and wetter weather. These conditions favor mosquito thriving.

Ecologists suggest that increased heat can impact mosquito behavior, alter habitats, and even modify pathogen incubation and transmission.

Protect Yourself From Mosquitoes

Public health director Vivian Zeng from Sudbury, Massachusetts, offers practical tips:

• Stay informed by checking your local mosquito surveillance efforts.
• Consider rescheduling outdoor events held between dusk and dawn, peak mosquito activity times.
• Wear long sleeves and pants to reduce skin exposure.
• Apply EPA-approved DEET repellents or use permethrin sprays on clothing and gear.

This advice helps manage the growing mosquito problem. Nature Quest, a Short Wave segment, addresses local environmental changes. Submit questions about your local environment to [email protected].

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This episode involved contributions from Hannah Chinn, Rachel Carlson, and was fact-checked by Tyler Jones. The audio engineer was Jimmy Keeley, with editing by Rebecca Ramirez.