In the Balearic Islands, winters are getting milder and milder – average winter temperatures range from 8°C to 15°C, enabling some mosquitoes to survive and even be active longer than in the past.
A warming Mediterranean climate: what ecological effects are favourable to mosquitoes?
The Balearic Islands have a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters, hot but temperate summers, and rainfall concentrated in autumn and winter. In winter, minimum temperatures are often around 8-10°C on Ibiza and Menorca, rising to 14-16°C during the day.
This mild winter extends the survival of mosquito eggs, larvae and adults, which would normally be eliminated by more severe cold. Daytime temperatures reach 15-17°C even in January-February on Mallorca and Ibiza, allowing some less resistant species to persist.
At the same time, moderate winter rainfall and high hygrometry create more micro-sites favorable to larval development. Lastly, the gradual warming of the Mediterranean climate is reflected in higher minimum night-time temperatures, reducing frost periods and winter mosquito mortality.
This combination – mild winters, rain and humidity – widens the window during which mosquitoes can survive and begin their activity, paving the way for the spread of invasive species such as the tiger mosquito.
Find out more: Mosquitoes in winter on the Balearic Islands
What species are present in the Balearic Islands today? Reliable inventory and trends
The latest comprehensive inventory of the Balearic mosquito fauna reveals the presence of 23 taxa reported in the literature, of which 22 are native or historically present, and one active invasive species. In 2019, a field survey in 32 municipalities identified 19 species, including three reported for the first time in the archipelago.
The most common species include :
- Culex pipiens, abundant in many breeding sites.
- Culiseta longiareolata, widespread in clear stagnant water.
- Culex laticinctus, present in both natural and rural lodgings.
The most worrying invasive species remains Aedes albopictus (tiger mosquito), now well established in urban and suburban areas.
Conversely, some species that were historically present are no longer detected: Aedes aegypti, Anopheles claviger, Ae. rusticus , Cx. hortensis .
This mosaic of species – native, invasive, re-emerging – illustrates the rapid dynamics of populations under the influence of climate change.
Find out more: Tiger mosquitoes in the Balearic Islands: danger and prevention
Settlement chronology: from the Iberian peninsula to the islands
The installation of the tiger mosquito in Spain began in 2004 in Catalonia. In 2012, it was detected for the first time in the
At the same time, its spread in mainland Spain is progressing inland and northwards, facilitated by road and sea transport, but also by milder winters.
This chronology illustrates the rapid establishment ofAedes albopictus and the way in which the islands follow the dynamics observed on the Iberian peninsula.
Why climate change is accelerating expansion in the Balearic Islands
Temperature, precipitation andhumidity act in concert to favor the development and survival of invasive mosquitoes like Aedes albopictus.
- Milder winters reduce larval mortality. When minimum temperatures exceed 10-12°C, population survival increases significantly.
- Irregular rainfall creates temporary shelters in gardens, terraces and tourist infrastructures.
- High humidity extends egg life and promotes larval maturation.
More frequent heat waves and cooler nights also enable mosquitoes to remain active for longer periods of the year. Coupled with human mobility and urbanization, these factors make the Balearic Islands an ideal breeding ground for the tiger mosquito and other invasive species.
Health risks: dengue & co at the gateway to the Balearics
Spain recorded more than 2,300 cases of imported dengue between 2016 and 2023. Indigenous cases have already been confirmed, notably in Murcia and Catalonia in 2018.
In the Balearic Islands, although the majority of cases are still imported, some tourists contracted dengue fever after a stay in Ibiza in 2022. Local climatic conditions – heat, humidity, presence ofAedes albopictus – increase the risk of autochthonous transmission.
This risk is twofold: the continued arrival of imported cases via tourism, and the possibility that these cases could trigger local chains of transmission.
Focus on the field: what local players and the media are saying
ANECPLA points out that summers in the Balearic Islands are “longer, more intense and more dangerous” due to climate change. The tiger mosquito and the common mosquito are now active for several months longer, with increased nuisance for the population.
Municipalities such as Palma and Ciutadella are carrying out prevention campaigns: eliminating stagnant water, cleaning gutters and raising awareness. The local media report on these actions, with testimonials from residents confronted with persistent discomfort from spring onwards.
These signals show that the perception of local residents is in line with scientific reality: the presence of mosquitoes is now more widespread in time and space.
Prevention and control in the Balearic Islands: a practical guide for residents, hotels and travellers
To contain mosquitoes in the Balearic Islands, a combination of simple actions and environmentally-friendly technologies is essential.
Daily gestures
- Remove or cover containers containing stagnant water.
- Prune dense vegetation and clean up accumulated leaves.
- Drain temporary wetlands.
Ecological solutions and innovative technologies
- QISTA / Mosquizen mosquito bollards: biomimetic devices that trap Aedes females without chemicals.
- Sterile insect technique (SIT): release sterile males to reduce the population.
- BTI (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis): natural bacteria targeting larvae only.
The role of local players
- Hotels: install anti-mosquito bollards, maintain green spaces, inform customers and staff.
- Communities: map bedding sites, coordinate biological control, set environmental standards.
- Travellers: bring certified repellents, mosquito nets and protective clothing.
Find out more: QISTA by Mosquizen: the revolutionary mosquito killer in the Balearic Islands
Surveillance & local data: why continuous collection is key
Field campaigns in the Balearic Islands have identified 19 mosquito species in 2019, including three new to the archipelago. This type of inventory is crucial for monitoring population trends and anticipating the arrival of new species.
Local authorities install traps in ports, airports and urban areas. This data is then used to guide decisions on where to set up bollards, the intensity of sterilization campaigns, and which areas to prioritize.
Data sharing between local authorities, researchers and specialist companies like Mosquizen enhances the effectiveness of local strategies.
Acting now: for a protected and sustainable Balearic Islands
Global warming is turning the Balearic Islands into an ideal breeding ground for invasive mosquitoes, lengthening their season and multiplying health risks. Relying solely on chemical repellents or one-off interventions is no longer enough. The real solution lies in ecological devices capable of reducing
FAQ express “climate change & mosquitoes in the Balearic Islands”.
Do mosquitoes bite in winter on the Balearic Islands?
Yes, some remain active as soon as minimum temperatures exceed 10°C.
Is the tiger mosquito present on every island?
It is confirmed on Majorca, Ibiza and Minorca.
What are the health risks for tourists?
Dengue fever is the main threat; cases have been reported after a stay in Ibiza.
Do municipalities get involved?
Yes, with campaigns to clean up and eliminate stagnant water.
Are repellents enough?
No, only a sustainable ecological strategy – mosquito bollards, TIS, BTI – can be effective in the long term.