Are Mosquitoes Bad in Alaska?
WouterDespite the Alaska mosquito reputation, they aren’t all that bad. They aren’t aggressive or disease-transmitting. And they aren’t everywhere. They tend to live in bogs, marshes and swamps. And they don’t like elevation. And they don’t like wind. They don’t fly in during a light breeze.
The mosquito population in Alaska varies from year to year, region to region, and even city to city. But there are a few things that all Alaskans can do to make sure they stay safe.
First, you should use DEET. DEET is the most effective mosquito repellent. It contains a high concentration of 20-30 percent DEET. You can use a spray or a head net. You should also wear long sleeved clothes and long pants. You should also try to stay away from areas where the mosquito population is at its highest. You should avoid rivers and lakes.
In the interior of the tundra, you’ll find bogs and marshes. You’ll also see many birds and animals that will eat mosquitoes.
The most intense mosquito season in Alaska is late June through July. This is when the female mosquito is at its most active. It’s searching for a blood meal. And it can be a pain to have to deal with the constant swarms.
Some mosquitoes are able to survive temperatures as low as 25 degrees below zero. Other mosquitoes spend the winter as larvae or eggs. In some cases, they even hibernate under ice.
