This article will list countries and cities notorious for being the worst mosquito hotspots, allowing travelers to be more aware and prepared.
Traveling can be an enjoyable experience, yet it can quickly become a nuisance if one has to deal with mosquitoes.
These pests can not only be irritating, but they also pose potential health risks.
Therefore, it is vital to be aware of the regions around the world that are particularly prone to mosquito infestations to avoid any discomfort or danger they may cause.
We’ve rounded up what we found to be some of the worst places in the world with mosquitoes.
And as a fun fact, I live on the East Coast in the U.S. dealing with mosquitoes whenever I am outside my house or hiking at State Parks.
I’ll share some helpful tips to minimize mosquito exposure and treat those bug bites.
Related Reading: CDC Prevent Mosquito Bites
Related Reading: Is There Anywhere in the World That Has No Mosquitoes?
Table of Contents
1. Parkhill, Ontario
A charming small town in Southwestern Ontario became famous in 2011 and was deemed one of the worst mosquito hotspots.
The town was christened Skeeterville due to a swarm of mosquitoes that infested the place despite its scenic beauty.
Residents reported that they noticed the mosquitoes in “thick clouds” of swarms, which hurt this town’s reputation.
These mosquitoes would attack during the day and night, which made it even more annoying for residents and visitors alike.
2. Algonquin Park, Ontario
The park lies in the heart of Ontario, nestled between the northern and southern regions.
Nonetheless, guests to this scenic destination must face a mosquito predicament. The park has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes due to its proximity to water sources and expansive size.
Even sightseers wandering through the park are not spared from the swarms of mosquitoes that inhabit the area.
3. Brazil
Brazil has a reputation for harboring a large number of mosquito species, which places it among the countries most affected by mosquitoes.
The situation is particularly severe in the Amazon area, where numerous mosquitoes are known to carry yellow fever. Another one of the worst mosquito hotspots in the world.
Urban areas in the country can also harbor Aedes mosquitoes.
4. Indonesia
Indonesia harbors a diverse array of mosquito species, some of which can transmit serious illnesses such as malaria and dengue fever.
The tropical climate of this region provides an ideal environment for mosquitoes to flourish.
Therefore, if you are considering a trip to this country, it is crucial to take proper measures to safeguard yourself against mosquito-borne diseases.
5. Africa
Mosquitoes pose a significant challenge across the entire continent, rendering it an unsuitable environment to encounter them.
Managing them is particularly arduous in rural regions and areas with inadequate drainage or high pollution levels.
Malaria accounts for 90% of global fatalities, primarily in Africa, particularly in regions below the Sahara. This is one of the worst mosquito hotspots for spreading severe illnesses from bites.
If you intend to travel to any part of this continent, it is vital to obtain all required vaccinations and acquire mosquito protection products to safeguard yourself.
6. Thailand
Thailand is renowned for its persistent mosquito issue that persists year-round.
Nevertheless, the problem is exacerbated during the rainy season spanning from May to September.
It is imperative to be ready to combat the irritating bugs when traveling to Thailand.
There are various mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever, malaria, lymphatic filariasis, and Japanese encephalitis that pose a risk in both rural and urban areas.
7. Malaysia
Malaysia, like many other tropical countries in Southeast Asia, is plagued by a significant issue with mosquitoes.
The perpetually hot and humid climate in this region facilitates the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever and yellow fever.
It is crucial to exercise caution against these illnesses when in the area.
8. United States
The United States is home to various regions known for their mosquito populations. While mosquitoes can be a nuisance in many parts of the country, there are specific locations where they are exceptionally problematic.
Problematic Cities
- Atlanta
- Charlotte
- New York
- Memphis
- Los Angeles
The mosquitoes in these areas may not be as dangerous as in other parts of the country, but you should still be concerned about the potential illnesses that they carry.
9. Mexico
Mosquitoes are common in this country from April to November, especially in the southern regions such as Yucatan, Tabasco, and Chiapas.
If you are planning a trip to Mexico, you should plan your trip for outside of this period to make sure that you are as safe as possible during your trip.
10. Central America
When traveling to the coastal areas of Central America, especially near the Caribbean region in Costa Rica, it is common to come across mosquitoes.
Nevertheless, the good news is that mosquitoes are rare in other areas due to the lower temperatures in those regions.
Monteverde, Central Valley, and various Costa Rican highlands rarely have mosquito issues.
11. The Caribbean
The Caribbean is a dream vacation for many people, but the issue is that this is also home to a mosquito problem.
Not only are mosquitoes prevalent in this area, but they also tend to carry a virus known as Chikungunya. Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by the chikungunya virus (CHIKV), an RNA virus in the alphavirus genus of the family Togaviridae.
This disease can cause severe joint pain, often disabling. Diagnosis may be difficult for US residents returning with the virus.
Related Reading: Are Mosquitoes Bad in Alaska? [FIND OUT!]
Mosquito Prevention
There are some ways to help prevent mosquito bites while traveling, hiking, or camping. These will prove helpful should you travel to one of the worst mosquito hotspots on the planet.
I have used these tips and reduced the amount of bite exposure.
- Wear Long-sleeved shirts that are thick enough to prevent penetration.
- Wear Long pants that are loose-fitting.
- Wear Boots or shoes with socks to prevent penetration.
- Wear a Hat or cap.
- Use a mesh face screen over a hat or cap to reduce access to the face, eyes, ears, and neck.
- Deet or an approved repellant. We use Deet for higher-infested places and natural repellant for home or moderate mosquito exposure.
- Spray repellant inside and outside tents before sleeping. Give time for the spray to dissipate before entering the tent.
Mosquito Bite Treatment
- Check the bite area for redness, swelling (significant swelling for some), and small blisters inside the bump.
- Some may have more severe symptoms depending on allergic reactions, being immune system compromise, small children, or the first time exposed to this type of mosquito. You should consult medical professionals if you have a fever, lymph node swelling, or hives.
- Wash the area with soap and water.
- Apply ice for approximately 10 minutes to help with swelling and itching.
- Use baking soda and water to make a paste to help relieve itching.
- Over-the-counter topical ointments can offer relief as well. Check to be sure you can use the ointment before using it.
- Try not to scratch the bite area, as it may get infected. If you see redness, hot-to-touch skin, and/or red streaks from the area, seek medical attention for an infection.
Conclusion: Worst Mosquito Hotspots
Mosquitoes can be both annoying and dangerous since they can transmit different diseases.
To avoid getting bitten and minimize the risk of getting sick, it is crucial to take all the necessary precautions when visiting the areas listed below.
There are various products such as mosquito repellents and nets that can protect you from mosquitoes.
Additionally, it is recommended to get vaccinated prior to visiting these areas.
With preparation and prevention measures, you can still enjoy vacationing in some of these worst mosquito hotspots. Be safe!
Enjoy living the outdoor life!!!