Sääskede

Sääskede is the Estonian term for mosquitoes, insects in the family Culicidae. Mosquitoes are small, slender flies with long legs, and the females have specialized mouthparts for piercing skin and drawing blood, while males feed on nectar. They undergo complete metamorphosis with life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Eggs are laid in or near water; aquatic larvae and pupae develop before the adults emerge. Adults feed mainly on nectar, and only females typically take blood meals to develop eggs.

Ecological and health aspects: Mosquitoes contribute to ecosystems as pollinators and as a food source for birds, bats, and other predators. However, some species are vectors of pathogens that cause diseases such as malaria, dengue, Zika, West Nile virus, chikungunya, and lymphatic filariasis. Disease risk varies by region and species. Control measures aim to reduce breeding sites by eliminating standing water, managing habitats, and using larvicides, insecticides, or biological control. Personal protection includes repellents, nets, and appropriate clothing. In temperate regions, populations rise in warm, wet seasons, and climate factors influence their distribution and abundance.