Mild winter won't stop Poland's blood-sucking insects; rain is the key factor

Despite a mild winter in Poland, experts do not anticipate an extreme plague or a significant drop in the numbers of mosquitoes and midges. Professor Stanisław Ignatowicz explains that insects possess highly effective survival mechanisms, including the ability to find shelter and produce natural antifreeze substances within their bodies. These adaptations allow most insects to endure winter conditions, regardless of how cold it is.

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For many blood-feeding insects, the presence of water or a moist environment is crucial.

Instead of winter temperatures, the key factor for insect reproduction this summer will be rainfall. "For many blood-feeding insects, the presence of water or a moist environment is crucial," Ignatowicz states. Mosquitoes thrive in stagnant water, while midges require flowing water. A dry summer can severely limit the breeding success of many species, posing a greater challenge than cold weather.

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If the summer is dry, many species have trouble reproducing.

Beyond the commonly known mosquitoes and midges, a variety of other biting insects can trouble people and animals. The lesser housefly, for instance, delivers a painful bite that often prompts an immediate swat. The horsefly, a relative of the deer botfly and cleg, becomes particularly active before thunderstorms, as humid conditions favor its reproduction in the soil and the survival of its next generation.

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Its name is very apt: when it bites, it hurts so much that a person instinctively wants to swat it.