People in Saxony have to be prepared for significantly more mosquitoes this year. "The mild winters and higher annual temperatures create favorable conditions for most mosquito species," said Matthias Nuß, insect researcher at the Senckenberg Museum of Zoology in Dresden. This year, the growing season in Saxony began around four weeks earlier than usual. "This is enough time for the female mosquitoes to produce an entire generation."
Mosquitoes are also considered potential virus carriers. "In cold winters with heavy frost, the viruses die off. This has not been the case this year," explained Nuß. In addition to the 52 species of mosquitoes known in Germany to date, new species are constantly being added, such as the bush mosquito or the tiger mosquito, which were previously not native to Saxony due to the colder climate.
These species are very well adapted to the settlement area, the insect researcher emphasized. For example, the females lay their eggs in the saucers of flower pots, which then hatch quickly after the first rainfall. These mosquitoes could also transmit malaria, dengue fever or the Zika virus. "These diseases are not yet established in our country. But it is important to push ahead with research into therapies for these diseases," said Nuß.
