The expected annual summer invasion of mosquitoes in France has largely failed to arrive – and experts reckon they know why
The itchy, red, bites and the high-pitched whine are part of the fabric of the sights and sounds of summer in France – but they have been curiously absent so far this summer.
Experts have confirmed anecdotal evidence that mosquito numbers in France are down on previous years, because although the insects thrive in the warmth of summer, this particular one has been too hot and too dry for them.
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Mosquitoes quickly dehydrate in temperatures above 35C, meaning they do not live as long, while the heat has dried up areas of stagnant water, where females lay their eggs.
