Sunny spring may reduce early summer mosquito numbers

A dry, sunny spring could lead to fewer mosquitoes in early summer across Finland, according to a senior nature expert interviewed by public broadcaster Yle.

Jaakko Kullberg, a nature specialist at consultancy firm Sitowise, told Yle’s morning programme that prolonged dry weather—particularly in southern Finland—has limited the standing water needed for mosquito larvae to develop. “There hasn’t been much meltwater this spring for mosquito breeding,” he noted.

While early summer numbers may drop, the total mosquito population for the season will only become clear by late summer. Finland has dozens of mosquito species, many of which emerge later in the year. “Summer rainfall will ultimately determine how many mosquitoes we see nationwide,” Kullberg said.

The dry, sunny conditions have, however, benefited pollinators. Early-flowering plants like willows provide critical food sources for bees and other insects during spring, their most important season. Kullberg advised landowners to preserve early bloomers like dandelions and ground ivy to support pollinators, which thrive in sunny meadows and garden patches.

Mosquito control sprays, while reducing nuisance bites, can also harm these beneficial insects.