How Hot Is Too Hot For Mosquitoes?
WouterWhether you live in a warm or cold climate, mosquitoes are present in almost every country. They are not only a nuisance, but they can also spread diseases. There are several ways you can avoid mosquitoes, such as wearing bug spray or installing screens around windows and doors. You can also sleep under a mosquito net.
Many species of mosquitoes are not able to survive cold temperatures, but some species can handle extreme heat. When a mosquito gets too hot, it will become dehydrated and die. In addition, extreme heat can inhibit mosquito breeding.
Most species of mosquitoes prefer warm, humid climates. This is why they are more common in tropical areas. Some species of mosquitoes also hibernate during the winter. Those that do not die will return each year. However, they will become less active if the temperatures get too cold.
Those mosquitoes that die off during the winter will remain dormant until the temperatures return to normal. However, some species of mosquitoes will emerge from their hibernation on warm winter days.
Temperature-sensing behavior of mosquitoes is not fully understood. Researchers at Rockefeller University have discovered part of the molecular mechanism. Using a blocking gene, mosquitoes can no longer distinguish between temperatures. This allows them to focus on locating the best temperatures for their hosts.
Viruses that carry diseases, such as malaria, are more transmissible in warm weather. This is due to the warmer air incubating the virus more quickly. Likewise, many other insect species become more active in warm weather.
