mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal on the planet, and some of them may be on the rise. At least in listener Abigail Krich-Starr's area, that's due to warmer, wetter weather — which, yes, is linked to climate change. But it doesn't stop there: Ecologists and entomologists say increased heat could also alter mosquito behavior, shift their natural habitat, and even change how pathogens incubate and spread inside their bodies. So how do you protect yourself against the (mosquito) masses? Our experts suggested several things: - Assess your risk by checking local mosquito surveillance efforts, like this one for the state of Massachusetts - Consider rescheduling outdoor events happening between dusk and dawn, which is peak biting time for multiple mosquito species - Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, weather-permitting, to limit exposed skin - Use an EPA-approved DEET repellent, and/or a permethrin spray for clothing and outdoor gear This episode is part of Nature Quest, a monthly Short Wave segment that answers listener questions about the local environment.Got a question about changes in your local environment? Send a voice memo to shortwave@npr.org with your name, where you live and your question. We might make it into our next Nature Quest episode! Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.

Mosquito bites spread diseases, like West Nile Virus, that can cause illness and even death among humans.

Mosquito season has begun in earnest, and until November, there is an increased risk for mosquito-borne illnesses, including dengue fever. CDC has urged U.S. doctors to watch for dengue, particularly in people who've traveled to countries where the virus is endemic. But several states, including Texas, have reported locally acquired cases of dengue over the last fifteen years.

The CDC considers mosquitoes to be the most dangerous animals on earth because of infectious disease transmission. They spread diseases like malaria, dengue and yellow fever.

It's true that mosquitoes prefer to bite some people over others at summer barbeques and picnics, like the ones coming up this holiday weekend.

Africa's cities have become home to an invasive, malaria-carrying mosquito. New research suggests vulnerabilities that could be exploited to take on the disease-bearing insects.

It's not a shark. It's not a lion. It's not a snake. And all you'll need is some pipe cleaners, sunglasses and gossamer wings.

The heat wave may have slowed daytime attacks by mosquitos on humans in the San Antonio area, but their bites still pose a danger at night.

Thanks to a relatively mild winter and April’s above-normal rainfall, the pesky bugs are swarming the city early in high numbers.

In Guatemala's mosquito-plagued lowlands, researchers use a novel tool — they call it an "insectazooka" — to suck up mosquitoes. Then they peer at the blood meal, searching for unknown pathogens.