In an unusual phenomenon dubbed the “mosquito tornado,” certain areas in east Pune have witnessed a surge in mosquito activity, prompting scientists and entomologists to analyze contributing factors. According to experts, the key influencers behind this surge include nighttime temperature swings and high humidity levels.
IMD data has revealed varying minimum temperatures in different regions of Pune, with areas like Pashan and Shivajinagar recording lower temperatures, while Kharadi, Mundhwa, and Keshavnagar have experienced nighttime temperatures ranging between 18 and 21°C.
Entomologists emphasize that insects, including mosquitoes, tend to breed more prolifically when they encounter favorable conditions of temperature and humidity. Standing water in certain locations provides an ideal breeding ground, and the right combination of warmth and humidity further enhances the mosquito population’s reproductive capabilities.
A state health official suggests that the swarms of mosquitoes captured in viral social media videos may be engaged in a common behavior among these insects, where male mosquitoes dance to attract females. Pune, characterized by high temperatures and humidity levels for a significant portion of the year, has become a year-round breeding ground for mosquitoes, irrespective of the season.
An IMD scientist notes that the recent winter in Pune has been milder, marked by elevated humidity levels and warmer nights, conditions conducive to the proliferation of mosquitoes and the diseases they carry.
A health bulletin has issued a warning regarding the temperature thresholds for the transmission of diseases like dengue and malaria in Maharashtra. The specified range is a minimum temperature window of 16-19°C and a maximum threshold of 33-39°C, conditions observed in parts of Pune recently.
A recent study further supports the correlation between mosquito survival and reproduction and environmental factors, particularly temperature fluctuations.
