Summer is coming, temperatures begin to rise and with them also returns mosquitoes. These small insects, besides being uncomfortable, are responsible for bites that cause itching, irritation and, in some cases, even allergic reactions.
It is usual to see the mosquitoes flying at a low height, which explains why many bites occur when we are outdoors, whether in gardens, terraces or parks. The external environment, especially when there is vegetation and moisture, is the favorite habitat of these insects.
In rural areas
In rural areas, mosquitoes tend to fly closer to the ground. According to this, this is due to the fact that they find at this level ideal places to reproduce, such as puddles of water, rivers, ditches or shaded zones, where moisture favors the incubation of eggs.
Cities change the scenario
Although the behavior of mosquitoes is more predictable in the countryside, in cities the situation is different. Urban conditions can allow these insects to reach higher heights, something that surprises many inhabitants of high buildings.
According to information released by the portal La Información, cited by the same source, some mosquitoes can fly up to about 25 meters high, which is equivalent to reaching the eighth or ninth floor of a building. This challenges the idea that only those who live on the ground floor is exposed.
Advantages of living on higher floors
Despite the mosquito climbing capacity, living on floors above the tenth significantly reduces the risk of bites. The probability of being bothered by these insects decreases the higher the floor where we live.
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The higher, the lower the risk
In buildings with 30 or 40 floors, such as those that exist in large international cities, higher levels are considered to be lower risk zones. Altitude acts as a natural barrier against the presence of mosquitoes, which rarely rise so much.
However, this type of skyscrapers is uncommon in Portugal. Most residential buildings in our cities have only five to ten floors, which means they are still within the mosquito range zone.
Even living on a high floor, it is not totally free from mosquitoes. These can enter the common zones of buildings, such as stairs, corridors and even elevators, eventually reaching the highest apartments with relative ease.
Doors and windows should be protected
To avoid surprises, it is essential to protect access to the house well. Installing mosquito nets on windows and keeping your doors closed at dusk are simple but effective measures to prevent mosquitoes from entering.
Preventing indoors also counts
Avoiding leaving accumulated water in pots, dishes or buckets is equally important, as even small amounts of water can serve as a breeding. Mosquitoes reproduce in moist places and prefer spaced spaces to lay the eggs.
Bites that can bring health risks
In addition to the inconvenience, it should be not to forget that some species of mosquitoes are transmitting diseases, such as the western nile virus or dengue. Although these cases are still rare in our country, the risk increases with climate change.
The Algarve also suffers from the problem
In the Algarve, where mild temperatures and green spaces are abundant, the presence of mosquitoes is a recurring concern. Coastal and riverside areas are especially affected, especially in the hottest months of the year.
Better to prevent
In short, living on a high floor can help reduce bites, but it is no guarantee of full protection. Prevention, using networks, repellents and domestic care, remains the best defense against these small but persistent visitors.
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