How Mosquitoes Can Reach High Floors
WouterGenerally, mosquitoes are not comfortable flying at high altitudes. They are sluggish in flight and their wings are not efficient. Some species of mosquito can fly higher to locate food, but most populations prefer to stay below 25 feet. Some species prefer to breed in tree holes at heights of 50 feet or higher.
Depending on the mosquito species, they may fly high to avoid predators, travel long distances, or escape from harsh weather conditions. These species are known to carry various diseases, such as malaria, encephalitis, and dengue. The female Aedes mosquito is the primary carrier of Dengue fever. The dengue mosquito prefers to lay eggs in human blood or in water-filled containers.
Some mosquitoes can reach very high altitudes, such as the Asian tiger mosquito, which can fly up to 50 feet above the ground. This mosquito species is known to bite painfully during the day. It can survive in a variety of conditions, so it is not uncommon to see female mosquitoes multiply in a tree hole at 40 feet in the air.
Mosquitoes can enter high rise apartment buildings from the outside, from the ground, through open windows or through the air conditioning system. They can also enter through ventilation louvers, gaps in the window system, or by climbing a structure itself. They can also hitch a ride on luggage, suitcases, potted plants, and equipment.
Generally, insects prefer to enter through openings on the ground floor. These include gaps under/around doors, loading docks, vents, and air conditioning openings.
