Mosquito density up in Beijing, but heat impeding increased bites

The Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control reported a noticeable increase in mosquito density this year and said the decrease in mosquito bites experienced by residents is likely due to the hot weather inhibiting mosquitoes' activity.

According to monitoring data from the Beijing CDC's disinfection and pest control institute, mosquito density in the city has risen significantly this year, especially in early June when several rainfalls created favorable conditions for mosquito breeding, the institute said on Friday.

Beijing residents said they experienced fewer mosquito bites this summer, prompting questions if the mosquitoes had been "burnt to death" due to the extreme heat.

Beijing has seen temperatures soar above 40 C in recent weeks, registering its highest temperatures for this time of the year since 1961, according to the National Meteorological Center.

Typically, mosquitoes are most active and prone to bite in temperatures ranging from 20 to 35 C. When the temperature exceeds or falls below this range, mosquito activity is significantly affected.

The CDC conducts regular monitoring of mosquito density from May to October each year. Historical data show July and August are peak periods for mosquito density and bites in the Beijing area.

If the hot weather stops, mosquitoes will still threaten and annoy residents, so it is important for residents to continue implementing mosquito prevention measures, the institute said.

Residents are advised to pay attention to the condition of various water bodies around them. For instance, water in flower pots and fish tanks should ideally be replaced every seven days.

Any bottles or containers outside residences should be overturned or discarded to prevent water accumulation. If water storage is necessary, it should be covered tightly, with no storage exceeding seven days.