Every August 20, World Mosquito Day is commemorated, in memory of the discovery made in 1897 by the British doctor Sir Ronald Ross, who identified that mosquitoes of the genus Anopheles were the vectors responsible for transmitting malaria. Since then, this event has been used to raise awareness about the importance of preventing diseases transmitted by these insects, but also to remember their role within ecosystems.

Although often seen as just a nuisance, mosquitoes serve key ecological functions: they are part of the diet of birds, bats, amphibians, and fish, and their larvae help filter nutrients into the water. They are, therefore, important links in the food chain, especially in wetlands and aquatic ecosystems.

In summer, when the heat and humidity favor their reproduction, it is essential to take extreme precautions to avoid bites, especially in areas where they can act as vectors of diseases. Simple measures such as protecting yourself with appropriate clothing, using repellent or avoiding water accumulations in domestic spaces can help reduce health risks.

This date reminds us that even the smallest organisms are connected to our health and that of the planet, and that protecting biodiversity also means better understanding all the species that inhabit it – even if they are not the most charismatic.

A healthy and balanced ecosystem naturally regulates mosquito populations thanks to predators such as fish, birds and insects. When these habitats are destroyed, due to causes such as deforestation or pollution, this balance is disrupted and mosquitoes find more places to reproduce, increasing the risk of disease transmission. Environmental degradation also favors closer contact between humans and vectors.

Protecting nature is not only essential for biodiversity, but also acts as a preventive barrier, also guaranteeing people’s health and well-being.