For decades, Iceland was admired for its lack of mosquitoes, an anomaly in a world where these insects thrive nearly everywhere. However, recent scientific surveys reveal that rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns have fostered a hospitable environment for mosquito breeding. Experts warn that this unexpected shift could have cascading effects on Iceland’s delicate ecosystems, impacting native bird species and altering nutrient cycles in wetlands. With year-round mosquito activity now a possibility, public health officials are closely monitoring potential implications for residents and tourists alike.

Researchers have identified several key factors contributing to the mosquito establishment:

  • Milder winters