How Far Does a Mosquito Fly?
WouterUntil now, we haven’t had a concrete answer to the question, “how far does a mosquito fly?” Fortunately, scientists have been able to determine just how long the average mosquito can make the trip.
There are a variety of factors that go into the calculation. Some species prefer to feed in low-altitude locations, while others can travel higher to find food. In fact, some flies can go as far as 6,000 meters.
Most mosquitoes don’t venture very far from their breeding sites. In fact, most of the ones we see on a regular basis travel no more than a few hundred feet from their birthplace.
Among the top flighters are the salt-marsh mosquitoes. These creatures can fly up to 100 miles in a lifetime. They migrate to salt water sites in search of food and mates. They have also been known to ride the breeze at high altitudes.
The longest and most expensive flight isn’t exactly the best way to get from point A to point B. Nonetheless, there’s no reason to believe that you can’t live without a mosquito. Keeping your property free of water-filled containers may help, but you’ll still be subjected to a few bites.
The aforementioned Aedes aegypti doesn’t even fly that far. It’s probably not a surprise to learn that the Aedes vexans isn’t the best flyer. Despite its name, this insect has been found to breed in river inundation areas. As a result, its distribution will likely expand with future climate change.
