How Big Are Mosquitoes in Alaska?
Whether you live in Alaska or you are visiting, you will have to be concerned about mosquitoes. Not only are they dangerous to human health, they also carry a host of other diseases.
The question of how big are mosquitoes in Alaska depends on a number of factors. The problem is particularly pronounced in the interior zone. In some years, it is difficult to find mosquitoes and in other years they cover thousands of square miles.
In central Alaska, the problem is most intense. The mosquito species that cause the most trouble are associated with temporary pools formed by the melting of snow and ice. These pools are located in a variety of locations, including lowland areas, tundra, and marshes.
The most important pools are found in Carex and Calama-grostis marshes. These marshes provide a variety of emergent vegetation. The presence of predators is determined by the degree of permanency of the pools.
Mosquito surveys are conducted to identify the types of mosquitoes present, as well as the larvae. These surveys are essential to determine what control methods will be most effective.
Using these techniques, mosquito surveys have been conducted in Fairbanks and Anchorage. There were 15 mosquito species collected. The data were supplemented by similar surveys in 1953 and 1951.
The most successful method of controlling the mosquito problem is drainage. This has been used successfully in many tropical areas. However, drainage is not practical in Alaska. The mosquito population will be reduced by manipulating the water levels in the pools.