Description:
Renaturation, water storage, water retention and other measures that result in rewetting of dry areas can cause development of both mosquitoes (Culicidae) and gnats (Ceratopogonidae). High densities of these biting midges are less favored by people living in the surroundings of such areas. Climate change causes temperature to rise and rainfall to increase in winter, but also in summer due to heavy thunderstorms. Both conditions of temperature and rain are favorable for midge development. Also certain diseases transmitted by mosquitoes and gnats are expected to occur within the next ten years in our temperate region. Furthermore, new species of mosquitoes and gnats will reach the Netherlands due to intensive trade and global warming. Knowledge on culicids and ceratopogonids is very limited. We even do not know which species occur where and in what densities in the Netherlands. Managing future potential plagues or disease transmission asks for bridging a knowledge gap.
Research objectives:
Development of a manual that can be used to predict the effects of management measures related to rewetting on the development of culicids and ceratopogonids and that assists to take preventive actions.
Results and products:
- A literature review on the autecology of culicids and ceratopogonids and the circumstances under which plagues develop
- An evaluation of existing projects in terms of environmental conditions, measures taken and the effects on the development of of culicids and ceratopogonids as well as on actions taken.
- A risk assessment technique that can be used by managers for prevention and control.
- A monitoring protocol for of culicids and ceratopogonids.
The end product consists of a report that is also the basis for a web application. The manual will be a growing document tt in the near future can be extended |
