The dry spring has reduced mosquito problems along the lower Dalälven again this year. Fewer floods have meant fewer mosquito larvae could develop. Researchers warn however that heavy summer rain could change the situation.
The area around the lower Dalälven is often hit hard by mosquito problems. However the small amount of snow and lack of rain have prevented major floods. This has led to falling groundwater levels and fewer pools where larvae can hatch. Anders Lindström, researcher at the National Veterinary Institute, says it would take an incredible amount of rain this summer to reverse the situation. He notes that the drought at the same time creates other problems for wildlife. Locally in low-lying places there can still be many mosquitoes. Generally however significantly fewer mosquitoes than normal are expected in the area around Folkärna in Avesta Municipality.
