How Climate Change is Prolonging Korea’s Mosquito Season: What You Need to Know

For many years, Koreans held on to the saying, “After Cheoseo, mosquitoes lose their bite.” Cheoseo, which falls on August 23, traditionally marks the start of cooler autumn weather. However, this old belief is becoming outdated.

Recent research reveals that in Korea, mosquito activity now peaks not in midsummer, but well into the autumn months. This change is largely due to climate change altering mosquito life cycles.

A study by the Seoul Research Institute of Health and Environment shows a surprising trend: last year, there were more mosquitoes in the fall than in summer. From April to November, nearly 17,000 mosquitoes were captured in light traps around Seoul. Over half of these, about 9,234, were collected during the fall months of September through November. Interestingly, October alone saw 5,087 mosquitoes, while July had only 2,511.

This shift isn’t new. Historically, from 2015 to 2019, mosquitoes peaked in July or August. But since 2020, that peak has moved to September, October, or even November. In 2022, mosquitoes surged as late as the first week of November.

Experts observe that rising summer temperatures are significantly impacting mosquito behavior. Mosquitoes thrive in warmer climates, ideally around 26 to 27 degrees Celsius. However, when temperatures soar above 33 degrees, their life span diminishes to just a week. “At extreme heat, mosquitoes tend to minimize their activity,” explains Lee Dong-kyu, a professor of environmental health at Kosin University.

Frequent heavy rains and floods afflict mosquito habitats in summer, washing away larvae. Thus, mosquitoes now find autumn’s cooler, stable conditions more favorable for reproduction and blood-feeding. An official from the Seoul Research Institute of Health and Environment notes, “We expect a rise in mosquito populations this fall, similar to last year.”

This change isn’t just a local issue. Globally, climate change is reshaping insect life cycles. Studies show that pests are migrating to new regions, affecting local ecosystems and health. Keeping pests in check, especially during these altered seasons, is becoming increasingly important. As weather patterns evolve, so must our understanding of these tiny creatures. And for now, it seems that autumn may bring more than just falling leaves; it could also lead to an uptick in mosquito activity.

For more detailed insights and studies on this topic, visit the [Seoul Research Institute](https://www.seoulre.gov). Their findings shed light on the connection between climate and insect behavior.

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