For many, a single mosquito is too many. But, in recent years, it definitely seems that these annoying insects have built up their itchy army. According to a study in Nature, “Mosquito populations have increased as much as tenfold, and mosquito communities have become two- to fourfold richer over the last five decades.”
While it may seem impossible to some, mosquitoes do in fact hold value in ecological systems. They are the prey of other animals like hummingbirds. And while female mosquitoes use blood to create eggs, they are also pollinators, eating plant nectar. However, climate change–which warms areas to provide the mild, marshy, mosquito habitat we all know and love–has allowed mosquitoes to go farther and live for a greater time period during the year.
In 2018, aedes aegypti (the yellow fever mosquito) was found in Albuquerque for the first time. The moving of mosquitoes like this species is worrisome seeing as they can carry harmful diseases like West Nile and Zika virus among many others.
Now, even in a desert, we are not safe from these illnesses. In August, a 65-year old died of West Nile virus in Bernalillo County. First found in the U.S in 1999, this disease originated in Africa and can cause meningitis, encephalitis, and fever, but the majority of infected are asymptomatic. New Mexico has had West Nile virus since 2003. The City of Albuquerque Environmental Health Department Deputy Director, Dr. Mark DiMenna, stated that 2024 has been “another bad mosquito season [] and our focus remains on prevention methods to protect public health.” As our state sees growth in areas with yellow fever mosquitoes, monitoring mosquitoes and how they are affecting people is essential.
So, how can we stay safe from these swarming stalkers? While it is hard to protect oneself from them altogether, creating high airflow with fans, using insect repellent, and limiting spaces with stagnant water are good tactics. In addition, researchers also are delving into sterilization and the use of Wolbachia, bacteria that impairs the efficacy of mosquitoes as vectors.
We’ll have to see what this year’s mosquito season entails.