One concern many travelers have, especially when traveling in the warmer months, is whether they have to worry about bugs. If you’re asking yourself, “Are there mosquitoes in Iceland?” you may be pleasantly surprised by the answer you receive. The short answer is no, there are no mosquitoes in Iceland, but don’t let that lead you to believe there are no bugs in Iceland.
Why Are There No Mosquitoes in Iceland?
Once you discover that Iceland is the only country in the world with no mosquitoes, you may wonder why that is. Your questions don’t end with “Does Iceland have mosquitoes?” It continues to wonder why Iceland doesn’t have mosquitoes when everywhere else does. The answer lies in the climate of the area.
Iceland isn’t the only polar climate in the world, yet it’s the only one with no mosquitoes. In colder climates, mosquito pupae typically hibernate under the ice in the winter months. They then hatch once the weather warms and the ice melts. In Iceland, however, temperatures are more variable. A warm spike in the middle of winter is not unusual.
If a warm spike occurs in the middle of winter, followed by freezing temperatures, the newly hatched mosquitoes do not survive. There is not enough time to complete the life cycle before the weather freezes again. The species simply cannot survive these conditions.
Other factors that contribute to the absence of mosquitoes in Iceland is the lack of standing water in geothermal areas where water doesn’t freeze. Any standing water pools are simply too cold for mosquito breeding. High winds are also an excellent deterrent.
Why Are Head Nets Advised?
Although there are no mosquitoes in Iceland, you may have encountered advice to bring head nets in the summer months. The reason for this advice is not mosquitoes. Instead, visitors may encounter an insect called midges. Midges in Iceland are typically associated with Lake Mývatn, which is named after the insect. However, they are now found in other parts of the country as well.
Midges are not mosquitoes but can often be mistaken for them. These insects often travel in large swarms and are generally harmless. However, a biting variant of midges can now be found in some areas, leaving behind itchy welts that can be mistaken for mosquito bites. Head nets are one of the most effective deterrents for these bugs.
Are There Other Bugs in Iceland?
Just because mosquitoes can’t survive in Iceland doesn’t mean the country is bug-free altogether. In fact, there is a thriving ecosystem of insects in Iceland, with more than 1,000 species of bugs recorded. You will find a variety of butterflies, spiders, ants, flying gnats, and other flies. Some will seem familiar to you, while others will be unusual, but none are particularly harmful.
Insects in Iceland play a vital role in the ecosystem, just like anywhere else on the planet. The bees serve as pollinators for the plants, and other insects are essential for decomposition and feeding other animals present.
Should You Pack Insect Repellent?
Since you don’t have to worry about being bitten by mosquitoes while traveling in Iceland, even in the midst of the summer months, you may wonder if you should bother with the insect repellent. While you may not need it, you may find insect repellent a valuable addition to your packing arsenal.
Bug repellent is still effective for keeping the midges away if you spend time near Lake Mývatn or other large bodies of standing water. However, you won’t need your typical mosquito repellent from home. Instead, look for repellents geared toward keeping other types of insects at bay.
In addition to repellent, don’t forget after-bite care products, especially if you’re prone to more severe reactions to insect bites. Packing a corticosteroid cream that reduces inflammation and itching can be a lifesaver, preventing you from trying to find an open pharmacy at the last minute.
Will Iceland Always Be Mosquito-Free?
With global warming and climate change, it’s impossible to say what the future will hold. While conditions in Iceland remain hostile to mosquitoes and their life cycle, it’s safe to say that it’s unlikely they will establish themselves any time soon. However, visitors should be aware of the insects in Iceland and how to protect themselves when traveling.
Enjoy Your Mosquito-Free Trip!
If you’re ready to start your mosquito-free adventure, one of the best ways to see it all is to get a car rental in Iceland.
