This summer, Wageningen University & Research again calls for the extent to which mosquitoes are experienced as a nuisance, via Muggenradar.nl. The data on mosquito nuisance collected last year has provided interesting information.
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On the one hand, suspicion researchers that the warming climate ensures a longer period in which mosquitoes are active. On the other hand, they think that new, invasive mosquito species are moving north from southern Europe. Research should show how we can prepare for this.
Viruses
Not all mosquitoes bite. It is the females of mosquitoes that cause nuisance. They suck blood to make eggs. To ensure that the blood does not clot during aspiration, they leave a substance in the stab wound that prevents that clotting, an anticoagulant. This substance causes the itching associated with a mosquito bite.
Mosquitoes not only cause itching but can also transmit serious diseases such as chikungunya, dengue or dengue fever and West Nile disease. In the south of Europe, some van small and large outbreaks been of these diseases. These viral diseases can travel along with the advance of mosquitoes from the south.
Field studies
Therefore, research into the effects of climate and environmental changes on mosquito populations and mosquito-borne diseases is important. This research takes place within the One Health PACT consortium. One of the components of that research is the compare of mosquito catches in the field with the mosquito nuisance caused via Muggenradar.nl is passed on.
mosquito nuisance
During heat periods there is more nuisance from mosquitoes. For example, last year’s reports showed that more nuisance was experienced during the heat wave that summer than before and after. This relationship with increasing heat has several causes. Mosquitoes are cold-blooded and become more active as the temperature rises. But also the open windows during warm periods ensure that we come into contact with mosquitoes more.
Prevent nuisance
In addition to passing on mosquito nuisance, you can also do something to prevent that nuisance. Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water, for example in a bucket or a clogged gutter. Make sure to delete these resources. Another tried and tested method to prevent mosquito bites is to use mosquito nets and a mosquito net to sleep under.
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