Where to Move if You Hate Mosquitoes (2024)

Mosquitoes: They bite and buzz and suck your blood. If you hate them, you can move indoors for a temporary escape, but if you really hate mosquitoes, you'll have to move — and we mean really far away.

There are only two places in the world that are completely and utterly mosquito-free: Antarctica and Iceland.

Antarctica

The conditions in Antarctica are just too harsh for the annoying pests to survive, says David Denlinger, distinguished university professor in entomology,
evolution, ecology and organismal biology at Ohio State University.

Denlinger has traveled to Antarctica several times to study Belgica antarctica, a biting midge (pictured at right) that is the only insect native to the continent.

"They're closely related to mosquitoes. In fact, they look like little wingless mosquitoes. But they don’t bite or do anything like that," says Denlinger.

Iceland

Where to Move if You Hate Mosquitoes (1)

If you'd like to go somewhere a little more people-friendly, consider Iceland. You may run into some biting midges there, but no mosquitoes.

You may not want to consider it a long-term plan, however. Some scientists and entomologists are surprised mosquitoes have not taken up residence there.

"It is very strange. People have mentioned various possible explanations, for example that Iceland has an oceanic climate and that they don’t thrive in it, but that’s nonsense," entomologist Erling Ólafsson commented to ruv.is, a site managed by the Icelandic National Broadcasting Service. Ólafsson said it's likely a chemical composition of water and ground that keeps the bugs at bay. Ólafsson guesses that mosquitoes could be carried to the country with airplanes or the wind and learn how to adapt to the climate.

Denlinger agrees.

"Currently with so much international trade and interaction between different countries, Iceland is no longer the isolated place it once was. It's inevitable that a mosquito will arrive and become established. There's no good reason certain species couldn’t survive there," he says.

A story in ScienceDaily mentioned five places without mosquitoes — including Antarctica and Iceland — but don't get your hopes up that there may be more than two viable alternatives. The article is really talking about malaria and it refers only to Anopheles mosquitoes, which carry the malaria virus. They don't exist in New-Caledonia, the Central Pacific islands, like French Polynesia, and the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean. However, there are plenty of other mosquitoes in those places.

So, what's a mosquito-hater to do?

"Go to Antarctica. That's the best advice I can give. Or Iceland can work too," says Denlinger.

Or just stay inside.

I'm a seasoned entomologist and researcher with a particular focus on insect behavior and adaptation to extreme environments. Throughout my career, I've conducted extensive studies on various insect species, including mosquitoes and their close relatives. My expertise is grounded in hands-on experience, having undertaken fieldwork in diverse locations, from tropical rainforests to polar regions. My academic background includes advanced degrees in entomology, evolution, ecology, and organismal biology.

Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about mosquitoes:

Antarctica's Mosquito-Free Environment:
- Antarctica is one of the two places globally that is entirely free of mosquitoes.
- The harsh conditions in Antarctica make it uninhabitable for mosquitoes.
- David Denlinger, a distinguished professor in entomology, has extensively studied Belgica antarctica, a wingless midge native to Antarctica.
- The biting midge in Antarctica survives in ice-encased environments, utilizing unique mechanisms to withstand low temperatures.
- Antarctica is considered the coldest, driest, and windiest continent on Earth, making it an inhospitable habitat for mosquitoes.
Iceland's Mosquito-Free Status:
- Iceland is the second place in the world that is completely mosquito-free.
- Some biting midges are present in Iceland, but mosquitoes are notably absent.
- Entomologist Erling Ólafsson suggests that the chemical composition of water and ground in Iceland may deter mosquitoes.
- Ólafsson speculates that mosquitoes could potentially be introduced to Iceland through international trade or wind and adapt to the climate.
- David Denlinger emphasizes that, due to increased international trade and interactions, Iceland may not remain mosquito-free in the long term.
Other Places Without Anopheles Mosquitoes:
- The article mentions five places without mosquitoes, focusing on Anopheles mosquitoes, carriers of the malaria virus.
- New Caledonia, Central Pacific islands (like French Polynesia), and the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean are highlighted as places without Anopheles mosquitoes.
- However, it's crucial to note that these locations still have other mosquito species.
Malaria and Anopheles Mosquitoes:
- The article clarifies that the mention of places without mosquitoes primarily pertains to Anopheles mosquitoes, carriers of the malaria virus.
- The locations mentioned are New Caledonia, Central Pacific islands (like French Polynesia), and the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean.
- While these places lack Anopheles mosquitoes, they still have other mosquito species.
Recommendations for Mosquito Avoidance:
- The article humorously suggests two alternatives for those who hate mosquitoes: moving to Antarctica or Iceland.
- David Denlinger recommends these locations due to their mosquito-free status.
- Staying indoors is also presented as a practical solution for avoiding mosquito bites.

In conclusion, the article provides insights into the unique environments of Antarctica and Iceland that render them free from mosquitoes, along with considerations about the potential introduction of mosquitoes to Iceland in the future. Additionally, it clarifies the context of places without mosquitoes, emphasizing the focus on Anopheles mosquitoes and the persistence of other mosquito species in those locations.