WILLEMSTAD – On August 20, World Mosquito Day, attention turns to a small insect that is often seen only as a nuisance or health risk: the mosquito. On Curaçao, mosquitoes are both a threat and an essential part of the natural balance.
While female mosquitoes are notorious for biting humans and animals to obtain the blood needed to lay eggs, most adult mosquitoes feed mainly on nectar and plant juices. They also serve as an important food source for a wide range of species. Mosquito larvae are consumed by fish, tadpoles, and dragonfly larvae, while adult mosquitoes are prey for birds such as the Yellow Warbler (Para di Misa) and the Gray Kingbird (Pímpiri), as well as bats, lizards, and dragonflies.
This makes mosquitoes an indispensable link in the food chain. Without them, many fish, birds, and bats would struggle to find sufficient food.
Human impact on balance
Experts warn that mosquito problems often arise from human activity. Standing water in puddles, barrels, and wells creates breeding grounds, while natural predators such as bats and geckos are frequently driven away. Instead, pesticides are used, which only provide temporary relief but linger in the environment, accumulating in animals higher up the food chain and eventually affecting humans.
Invasive species and disease
Curaçao is naturally home to species like the house mosquito and the saltmarsh mosquito, but invasive species such as the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti) and the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) now pose additional risks. These species can spread serious diseases including dengue, chikungunya, and Zika.
A natural solution: Mangrove Park
The Curaçao Rif Mangrove Park in Otrobanda shows how nature restoration can control mosquito populations. Where stagnant water once bred mosquitoes, restored water circulation now supports a balanced ecosystem. Fish, birds, bats, and lizards naturally keep mosquito numbers in check, leading to a noticeable decline in nuisance for nearby residents and visitors.
Coexisting with mosquitoes
Scientists emphasize that mosquitoes will always be part of the island. By protecting ecosystems and applying nature-based solutions, Curaçao can limit mosquito-borne diseases and nuisance more sustainably.
On this World Mosquito Day, the message is clear: mosquitoes may be irritating, but they also play an irreplaceable role in the island’s ecology.
