Mosquitoes 'disappearing' in some parts of Africa

[Bosonic]

Malaria-carrying mosquitoes are disappearing in some parts of Africa, but scientists are unsure as to why.

Figures indicate controls such as anti-mosquito bed nets are having a significant impact on the incidence of malaria in some sub-Saharan countries.

But in Malaria Journal, researchers say mosquitoes are also disappearing from areas with few controls.

They are uncertain if mosquitoes are being eradicated or whether they will return with renewed vigour.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-14685612

[hlthe2b]

1. Drought?

[Gman]

6. Mosquito eggs can lay dormant during a drought for an indefinite period of time

and then hatch with a vengeance once conditions are right.

[hlthe2b]

7. That is my point... they may simply lie dormant... & not have truly

disappeared.

[RebelOne]

11. I hope you are wrong. They will not be missed if they disappear.

There have been none this summer in North Georgia because there has been little rain, so there has been no standing water where the mosquitoes breed. Usually when I take my dogs for a walk, in past summers, I have had to use bug repellent, but did not have to use any this year.

[Gman]

12. I've used very little repellant here in South Texas where it's currently 107

The few brief showers we've had have unleashed the mosquitoes a few days later.

I'm afraid one of the downsides of eradicating mosquitoes would the impact on bats who eat tons of them each night.

In any event, eradicating mosquitoes will be about as successful as eradicating water. They will be here long after the human race is gone.

[HelenWheels]

2. Make me happy if they'd disappear from WI nt

[undeterred]

8. Almost no mosquitoes in the Madison area this year.

I have no idea why. We've had plenty of rain, and I spent a lot of time out in the dog park and the woods. I've had maybe 3 or 4 bites the entire season. I just figure the mosquito predators are doing a really good job.

[Courtesy Flush]

3. Even PETA hates mosquitoes

Just kidding. I'm sure someone out there is fighting for mosquito rights, but I want them to die.

[liberal N proud]

4. I think I know where thy are...

They are all in my back yard.

[Are_grits_groceries]

5. Not all of them.

I have my fair share too.

[stevedeshazer]

9. I rejoice.

But, I'm sure this development is indicative of something even worse.

Like, birds and bats eat them. So bats and birds will die next.

We mosquito-haters may get our comeuppance yet.

[targetpractice]

10. There are none so far in Houston this year...

I did, however, see my first one yesterday... I'm not a native, and only visit for the summers. But, I remember being consumed with mosquitoes last year whenever I took my dog for a walk at night.

[defendandprotect]

13. All life is moving NORTH -- including the mosquitoes -- !!