How High Can Mosquitoes Fly?
WouterSeveral people have asked the question “how high can mosquitoes fly?” The answer is that most mosquito species will not fly far. But some larger species can fly up to seven miles for food. Moreover, the dengue mosquito, which causes the deadly flu called Dengue, seeks out water-filled containers for egg laying.
The Aedes vigilax mosquito, a common source of malaria, can travel up to 290 meters above ground level, according to a recent study by researchers at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). The study also found that the path of dispersal may be influenced by local landscape.
Bats, on the other hand, usually fly no higher than 25 feet. They fly to reach food, and are aided by winds. The wind can carry them across continents and islands.
Most mosquitoes prefer to operate within a radius of 50 to 100 meters. They don’t like flying in strong winds. They also shut down at temperatures below 10oC.
But some mosquito species breed in tall buildings, and are able to operate at higher altitudes. In the Himalayas, for example, the mosquitoes breed at 8,000 feet above sea level. However, they don’t get cold enough to snow.
Dr Cameron Webb, an expert in mosquito biology, has conducted studies on the distances that mosquitoes can travel. He has found that most species will not travel more than five kilometers.
Some species breed underground, in mines and other areas of extreme temperature. Others prefer to breed in higher-altitude structures, such as tall trees.
