World Mosquito Day: Everything You Need to Know
(and how to efficiently keep them out of the house)Every August 20th is celebrated World Mosquito Day, a date that may seem anecdotal, but it puts the spotlight on one of the most dangerous insects on the planet. Although their nightly buzzing may be annoying, their impact goes far beyond discomfort: mosquitoes are vectors of disease, and their presence is increasing due to climate change.
In this article, we'll tell you how many mosquitoes there are in Spain, which species we should be on the lookout for, who they bite the most, and how you can protect your home with sustainable, efficient, and customized solutions, such as airtight windows with integrated mosquito nets.How many types of mosquitoes are there in Spain? More than 60 species of mosquitoes have been identified in Spain, but only a few are relevant to public health and everyday life. The best known are:
• Culex pipiens (the common mosquito): present in almost the entire country, active especially in summer. • Aedes albopictus (tiger mosquito): native to Southeast Asia, it arrived in Spain in 2004. It is currently present in more than 600 municipalities in the country, especially in coastal and urban areas. • Aedes aegypti: not yet established on the peninsula, but has been detected in the Canary Islands.Who do mosquitoes bite most? Although it may seem like a myth, mosquitoes have preferences when choosing their victims. Factors that influence this include:
• Blood type: People with type O blood are the most attractive to them. • Sweat and body temperature: The more sweat and carbon dioxide we emit, the easier it is for us to be located. • Pregnancy: Pregnant women can attract twice as many mosquitoes. • Dark clothing: Colors such as black and navy blue increase the risk of bites.What diseases can they transmit?
In tropical countries, mosquitoes transmit serious diseases such as malaria, dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. In Spain, although the risk is low, imported and, rarely, autochthonous cases of dengue have been detected in regions where the tiger mosquito is prevalent.
In addition, the common mosquito can transmit the West Nile virus, as seen in Andalusia in 2020.
How to prevent them from entering your home without losing comfort?
This is where efficient ventilation and intelligent enclosure design make the difference. Here are some recommendations:1. Install mosquito nets on windows and doors Roller or fixed mosquito nets are the most direct barrier against mosquitoes. If properly installed in a window with high thermal and acoustic performance, you'll have a passive and sustainable system to prevent their entry.
2. Ventilate at the right times Ventilating in the early morning or evening, when there is less mosquito activity, helps to refresh the air without compromising comfort or attracting insects.
3. Eliminate sources of moisture Mosquitoes breed in areas with stagnant water. Avoid leaving buckets or saucers under flowerpots or leaking gutters.
4. Use integrated solutions At Afandecor, we offer windows with integrated mosquito nets that not only block insects from entering but also maintain excellent airtightness, helping to reduce the use of air conditioning or heating. This translates into lower emissions and real energy savings.
Mosquito nets and energy efficiency: a relationship you didn't expect
It might seem that mosquito nets only have a hygienic role, but the truth is that if well designed, they can improve the energy efficiency of a home:
• They allow you to keep the windows open without turning on the air conditioning, which reduces electricity consumption.
• Avoid the use of chemical repellents, which are more polluting.
• Combined with low-e glass and high-performance frames, they create a sustainable solution that maintains thermal comfort without sacrificing protection.
A mosquito-free home is a healthier and more efficient home.
Mosquitoes aren't just a nuisance: they pose a challenge to public health and home comfort. Choosing natural ventilation systems, quality enclosures, and durable mosquito nets is a smart way to protect your home and the planet at the same time.
