Altai Krai braces for summer's relentless swarms of bloodsucking pests

Warm weather has arrived in Altai Krai, signalling the start of the summer season. With rising temperatures, residents are preparing for the usual surge in bloodsucking pests that plague the region each year. Mosquito larvae are currently thriving in local water bodies, with adult insects expected to emerge within two weeks if the warm, calm conditions continue. However, strong winds—reaching gusts of up to 25 m/s—could disrupt their breeding cycle and reduce their numbers.

Blackflies and no-see-ums, notorious for their persistence, were the most complained-about pests last year. Unlike mosquitoes, these tiny insects cannot be easily swatted or blown away by wind. They often crawl into eyes, ears, and under clothing, causing irritation and discomfort. Meanwhile, tick activity has already spiked, with 490 residents reporting bites in just one week. Authorities are advising people to take precautions by wearing long-sleeved cotton clothing with hoods and using effective repellents to avoid bites.

Residents are being urged to stay vigilant as the pest season intensifies. Stocking up on repellents and covering exposed skin remain the best ways to minimise bites from mosquitoes, blackflies, and ticks. The coming weeks will determine whether wind or warmth dominates, shaping the severity of this year’s infestation.