The Growing Presence of Mosquitoes in a Changing Climate

Aedes albopictus, known as the Asian tiger mosquito, has become increasingly common in certain neighborhoods, including where Short Wave listener Abigail Krich-Starr resides. This mosquito species is part of a larger trend noticed in many regions.

Mosquitoes rank as the deadliest animals globally. In Abigail’s Massachusetts neighborhood, they appear more prevalent than before. “Being in our backyard each year has become a challenge,” she states. “Last year, we were constantly bothered by them.”
Data from a 2024 Washington Post analysis indicates that mosquito seasons in parts of the US have extended, sometimes by days or weeks. Experts suggest that more mosquitoes are now present in areas where they were previously rare.

Doug Bidlack, a Boston-area entomologist, oversees mosquito management for the East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project. He notes that shifts in mosquito populations stem from warmer, wetter, and more unpredictable weather patterns, which are linked to climate change. Such conditions may not only increase mosquito numbers but also influence their behavior and habitat, potentially affecting how viruses develop and spread within them.

To mitigate mosquito risks, Vivian Zeng, the public health director for Sudbury, Mass, near where Krich-Starr lives, provides advice applicable to all:

• Check local mosquito monitoring programs for risk assessment.
• Consider moving outdoor activities from dusk to dawn to avoid peak mosquito activity.
• Dress in long sleeves and pants when possible to minimize exposed skin.
• Use EPA-approved DEET repellent or apply permethrin spray to clothing and gear.

This discussion is part of the Nature Quest series, where Short Wave explores listener inquiries about their environment. Send your environmental questions as a voice memo to [email protected] with your name and location. Your question might feature in future segments of Nature Quest!

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This segment was crafted by producers Hannah Chinn and Rachel Carlson. It was refined by editor Rebecca Ramirez and verified by fact-checker Tyler Jones. Jimmy Keeley handled the audio engineering.