Russian Expert Reports Record Mosquito Numbers in Central Russia in 20 Years

Professor Georgy Lada from Russia's Dergavin University has identified the main contributors to the record-breaking mosquito population in central Russia this year as plentiful water and warm temperatures.

He stated that the unusually high number of mosquitoes affecting residents in the central European part of Russia this spring represents the largest such phenomenon in the past twenty years, linked to long-term climate trend changes.

Professor Lada added, "This is the largest recorded outbreak of mosquitoes in the Tambov region and neighboring areas over the past two decades, possibly even slightly more. We clearly observe a significant increase in their numbers because we conduct regular exploratory missions, live in field conditions, and naturally notice all these phenomena."

According to the scientist, the primary factors behind the current mosquito surge are the abundance of water and warm weather. The winter saw heavy snowfall, followed by a water-rich spring and then hot weather, creating ideal conditions for larvae development in temporary water bodies and floodplain lakes.

The professor emphasized that 2025, in contrast, was very unfavorable for mosquitoes due to cold and lack of water, with mosquitoes barely observed even in floodplain areas.

Addressing why some people are bitten more than others, the professor explained, "In the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s, mosquito numbers were never lower. Then central Russia experienced two decades of relatively dry conditions, with severe droughts in some places. People quickly got used to the good conditions and forgot what it’s like when mosquitoes are truly numerous."

He also noted that adult mosquitoes have a short lifespan, lasting days or weeks. The mosquitoes biting now will soon disappear. If dry and hot weather continues and temporary water bodies dry up, the next generation might not appear. Everything depends on the weather even within a single season."