Higher summer temperatures, milder winters and heavier rainfall resulting from climate change are increasing the beneficial breeding conditions for one of the most detested and potentially dangerous of insects, the mosquito.

The change in climatic conditions is driving not only the proliferation of mosquitoes in areas where they already exist, but also in completely new and unexpected environments, such as Iceland. Water and a warm climate are essential for mosquitoes, and the warmer and wetter the climate, the more rapid the increase in their populations.

In recent years, research has shown that there has been an observable increase in the length of time the insects are present during the year in Greece as well as in all Mediterranean countries, appearing earlier and lasting well into the winter months.

As a result, in recent years, especially for the common mosquito (Culex pipiens), which is also the main transmitter of the West Nile virus in Greece and across Europe, remains active almost all year round. In addition to the common mosquito (Culex pipiens), another species that has been present in Greece and other Southern European countries is the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), which is active during the whole day. This mosquito is a potential carrier for the Chikungunya, Dengue and Zika viruses. Regarding dengue fever, Greece has so far only had a few imported cases of dengue fever, unlike countries such as Italy and Spain.

However, although governments are ramping up their fight against these insects, we strongly recommend that visitors to Greece, or any other Southern European country, make sure they use anti-mosquito personal sprays or creams in the evening, and room vapourisers during the night.