It is inevitable to wonder, as we deal with itchy bites and irritants buzzing in our ears: What would happen if mosquitoes went extinct? Although it is challenging to predict the full ecological consequences of mosquito extinction, in the present article we will discuss some of the possible outcomes of a world without mosquito bites.
What Would Happen if Mosquitoes Went Extinct?
Although it would indeed be delightful to enjoy summer nights outdoors without having to wear mosquito repellent, if mosquitoes went extinct, the world would not be the same. There is debate about whether the consequences would be positive or negative. Here’s how mosquito extinction would impact the world:
Ecosystems Would be Disrupted
Mosquitoes are old habitants of this planet. They have been here since the Triassic Period, 400 million years ago. That means that their interactions with other organisms form a complex chain that could be disrupted if they went extinct:
- Mosquitoes are a food source: Fish, birds, bats, and even other insects (such as dragonflies) rely on mosquitoes as a significant part of their diet. The removal of mosquitoes could disrupt the food chain and affect such species. For example, there are massive mosquito populations near the Arctic Circle that serve as food for local fish and birds.
It is worth mentioning that besides being an important food source in this tundra region, it seems like mosquitoes are a nuisance everywhere they go: The relentless harassment of mosquito swarms during warmer months is linked to a reduction in the local caribou population.
- Mosquitoes are pollinators: Only female mosquitoes of certain species feed on blood and bite humans, although they all get a bad reputation. But male mosquitoes do not bite humans. Either way, the main part of the mosquito diet, both male and female, is actually made of plant nectar. Because of that, these little flies also play a role as pollinators.
Certain orchid species and other night-flowering plants rely on mosquito pollination, for example. And although their contribution is generally minor compared to other insects like bees, their absence could still have some impact on the reproductive cycle of such plant species.
- Mosquitoes are natural filters: Mosquito larvae live in standing water before turning into pupae and later emerging as adults. At this developmental stage, the larvae feed on organic detritus such as plant debris and protozoa. That actually makes mosquito larvae great converters of organic matter in an ecosystem.
On an important note, some scientists believe that the extinction of mosquitoes could have a minimal direct impact on their habitats. Other insects could step in as alternative food sources for predators, and different species of flies and midges could potentially take over mosquitoes’ role in pollination.
Disease Transmission Would be Reduced
Photo Credit: Henrik_L / Canva Pro / License
While some argue that removing mosquitoes could upset the balance of ecosystems, others believe that the elimination of disease-carrying mosquitoes would result in a positive effect for us humans overall, with no further prejudice on biodiversity.
The significant benefit of mosquito extinction would be the reduction of potentially deadly diseases transmitted by mosquitoes. Less than 3% of all mosquito species are known to transmit diseases, but even so, mosquitoes are considered the world’s deadliest animal.
And that title is no exaggeration. Adult mosquitoes are disease vectors, and those include mainly three mosquito genera:
- Anopheles: These guys are known for transmitting malaria, posing a risk for nearly half of the world’s population.
- Culex: The mosquitoes of the Culex family are carriers of West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis, and Western Equine encephalitis.
- Aedes: Mosquitoes of this family are vectors for yellow fever, dengue fever, chikungunya and Zika virus.
Sadly for us, these are amongst the most common mosquitoes in the U.S. But even outside the country’s limits, mosquito-borne diseases affect millions of people worldwide, causing public health concerns across the globe. The extinction of mosquito species that are vectors for such diseases would save countless lives.
On a curious note: Some entomologists are studying the possibilities of genetically modifying mosquitoes to produce only male offspring. And since male mosquitoes do not bite humans and rely only on plant nectar, this alternative would be a path for malaria eradication. Pretty cool, right?
But while the entomology professionals are working out this sci-fi option, it is worth mentioning that vaccines for malaria and yellow fever are currently available and recommended for those traveling outside the U.S.
To wrap it up, the full impact of a mosquitoless world is hard to grasp. And even if mosquito extinction were realistic, careful consideration and more comprehensive research would be necessary to fully understand the potential unintended consequences of such a scenario.
FAQ
We haven’t killed all mosquitoes because of their enormous abundance. It is virtually impossible to simultaneously get rid of all 3,500 species of mosquitoes worldwide.
When dealing with mosquitoes around your home, yes you should kill them. You can never know for sure which mosquito is a carrier of mosquito-borne diseases and which is not. So if you have to slap a mosquito to protect yourself from getting bit, don’t feel guilty about it.
These are the best ways to prevent mosquito bites:
• Wear long-sleeved clothing when outdoors, and avoid floral-scented products.
• Apply insect repellents.
• Screen doors and windows, and use mosquito nets to protect your bed at night.
• Control mosquito populations by removing all sources of standing water around your home.
• Use natural mosquito control methods, such as adding mosquitofish to birdbaths and ornamental ponds.
Mosquitoes May be Important for the Environment…
But you still can (and should) protect yourself from them. You won’t make them go extinct, but it is possible to achieve mosquito control on your property. So if you’re having trouble with these little fellas, Pest Gnome connects you to the best pest control experts in your area. Get in touch.
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Main Image Credit: Ritesh Ghosh / Canva Pro / License
