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How Iceland Got Mosquitoes for the First Time<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Head of the Entomology and Vector Control Group described areas of the world where <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr. Siriporn explained that in the past, mosquitoes could not survive in very cold climates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThere is a possibility\u2014or at least a suspicion\u2014that because Iceland\u2019s temperatures have risen significantly in recent years, living organisms now have a greater chance of survival when temperatures increase.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis is a signal that, if even Iceland\u2019s temperatures are rising, then across the world\u2014where we already know the climate is warming\u2014living organisms such as mosquitoes will be able to expand their habitats. If those mosquitoes are capable of carrying diseases, it will create more breeding grounds for transmission.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n However, Dr. Siriporn acknowledged that the three mosquitoes found in Iceland, based on currentresearch, have not been shown to transmit diseases such as malaria or Zika.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr. Siriporn explained that in the past, mosquitoes could not survive in very cold climates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n What kind of environments do mosquitoes normally prefer?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Although mosquitoes can be found in almost every region, there are some areas where they do not thrive\u2014particularly places with extremely cold climates. Low temperatures affect the development of eggs, larvae, and the transmission of pathogens within mosquitoes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Most mosquitoes prefer temperatures around 20\u201330\u00b0 or higher, which are relatively warm and humid.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Exceptions include certain groups of mosquitoes that have adapted to colder climates, such as the species recently reported in the news. These are endemic mosquitoes found in the cooler climates of Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. Even survive in cold regions, they do not fly around freely; instead, they tend to hide in warmer shelters such as barns or basements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n At what temperatures do mosquitoes die?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n On average, mosquitoes thrive at temperatures of about 20\u201330\u00b0. When the temperature drops below 10\u00b0C for a prolonged period, research indicates they gradually die because eggs and larvae stop developing. Conversely, if the temperature rises above 40\u00b0C, mosquitoes also gradually die.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n How are mosquitoes evolving in the global warming era?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Rising temperatures shorten the mosquito life cycle. Normally, the stages from egg to larva, pupa, and adult take about 10\u201315 days, but this may be reduced to 7\u201310 days. A faster cycle means quicker reproduction, leading to a rapid increase in mosquito populations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n If those mosquitoes are capable of transmitting diseases, their efficiency as vectors also increases. This raises concerns about the spread of diseases into regions where they have never been seen before. Local populations may lack experience in controlling such mosquito\u2010borne diseases, makingsurveillance even more critical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMosquitoes are gradually changing their behavior to adapt to warmer environments. In Thailand, where temperatures already range from 18\u201338\u00b0C, we may not see dramatic behavioral changes. But what is noticeable is that mosquitoes\u2019 life cycle shortens, they grow faster, live longer, or bite more frequently.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr. Siriporn elaborated that in hotter conditions, mosquitoes tend to bite more often. Heat acts as a stimulus, increasing their activity. With shorter life cycles, mosquitoes are observed to be smaller in size but more energetic, adaptive, and aggressive in biting humans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
mosquitoes have never been found. Apart from Iceland, Antarctica is also mosquito-free due to its extremely cold climate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/files.wp.thaipbs.or.th\/thevisual2025\/2025\/11\/Untitled-1-1024x1024.jpg\")
Entomology and Vector Control Group, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
However, the species now discovered is one that can be found in cold regions. In the case of Iceland, as reported in the news, it is possible that mosquitoes arrived by ship or container. Whether they can survive to complete their life cycle or establish a permanent population remains unknown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/files.wp.thaipbs.or.th\/thevisual2025\/2025\/11\/%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%B8%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%9A%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%99.jpg\")
secondary vector of chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
However, the species now discovered is one that can be found in cold regions. In the case of Iceland, as reported in the news, it is possible that mosquitoes arrived by ship or container. Whether they can survive to complete their life cycle or establish a permanent population remains unknown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n