Expert predicts significant increase in mosquitoes and biting flies in Tomsk by 2025.
Tomsk, Russia, May 22 - RIA Tomsk: A substantial increase in the mosquito population is expected in Tomsk towards the end of May, although an early infestation has already begun. According to Anastasia Simakova, a researcher in zoology at the Institute of Invertebrates at Tomsk State University (TGU), the number of mosquitoes and mosquitoes will be high this season, with the mosquitoes starting to emerge in large numbers by late May and the mosquitoes appearing around mid to late June.
Mild temperatures characterized the recent 2024-2025 winter in Tomsk, with average temperatures hovering around minus 10 to 11 degrees Celsius.
Simakova stated, "The mosquitoes will reach their highest numbers near the end of May, but early spring mosquitoes are already emerging and biting, especially those who enjoy spending time in dense woodlands. This year, we expect a sufficient number of mosquitoes, although we do not foresee an unprecedented surge in their population. Their lifespan averages at about 1.5 to 2 months, so we can expect mosquito numbers to start decreasing by August."
Simakova added that a similar situation is expected for the mosquitoes. "The mosquitoes are expected to appear towards the middle to end of June, and their population will also be large (comparable to last year's), as no significant changes have been observed. Typically, we expect several generations of mosquitoes. We do not anticipate any exceptional changes."
On a related note, the expected lifespan of adult mosquitoes ranges from about a week to a month, depending on the species and environmental conditions. In temperate climates like Tomsk, adult mosquitoes generally survive for 1 to 2 weeks in the summer months, with higher mortality in adverse weather. As breeding conditions favor warm, wet spring and summer temperatures for mosquitoes, the potential for a massive outbreak in Tomsk is possible if such conditions persist.
The unusual mild winter temperatures in Tomsk may have contributed to an early emergence of mosquitoes, as stated by Anastasia Simakova, a researcher in zoology at Tomsk State University. In environmental-science, climate-change can influence weather patterns, and as such, warmer temperatures could potentially favor the propagation of mosquitoes, posing a threat for the upcoming season.
