These Are the Best Places Without Mosquitoes
Your next vacation is a time to escape from work, relax with family or friends, and recharge. If you arrive at your destination ready for a fun, relaxing time, it can be quite discouraging to be greeted by a barrage of mosquitoes instead. So, while you’re planning your trip, do a little more research about possible destinations and the insects that inhabit the area to help you avoid a buggy situation.
Certain insects may not only reduce the quality of your vacation, but they could also transmit diseases. Mosquitoes are frequently the culprit in such vacation-ruining disasters, so planning a trip that they’ll be less likely to interrupt seems like the way to go, literally. But it seems nearly impossible to find a place where there are no mosquitoes. The good news is that there are locations around the world where the presence of mosquitoes is minimal.
To help you plan a trip that mosquitoes won’t ruin, we’ll explore various regions and countries known for having fewer mosquitoes, enabling you to enjoy your downtime without spraying, swatting, etching, and scratching. We’ll dive deeper into places in the United States like West Virginia, Arizona, New Mexico, Alaska, Wyoming, and more. Across the sea, we’ll take a look at locations such as Greenland, Antarctica, and French Polynesia to avoid these pesky insects.
Mosquitoes are widespread and found in various habitats worldwide. So, if you’re looking for a vacation spot where there are no mosquitoes, your options are limited. And there aren’t fewer mosquitoes near the ocean, so your beach vacations remain vulnerable to mosquito bites. Unfortunately, most places do have at least some mosquitoes. There are, however, some states and countries where their population is reduced.
States with the Least Mosquitoes
In North America, the state with the least number of mosquitoes is West Virginia, though you will still encounter quite a few in the more densely wooded areas. Even though it’s the state with the least number of mosquitoes, it still has a lot.
To find a spot where there are no mosquitoes, you need to search away from water, including lakes, ponds, and even the ocean. Mosquitoes love standing water; it’s where they lay their eggs. And they don’t need much. In fact, they can be found in areas with even just a few ounces of water.
So, it makes sense that there would be fewer mosquitoes in drier climates. You might consider, for instance, Arizona or New Mexico in May or June, during the driest time of the year. However, once the monsoon rains hit, mosquitoes abound.
States with cooler temperatures are also great places to visit, as mosquitoes aren’t as active in colder climates. Alaska, Vermont, and Wyoming see less mosquito activity than other states because of their cooler weather. But don’t get too excited. Mosquitoes aren’t nonexistent in these locations (especially around lakes and rivers), but there are fewer of them. So, if you’re planning a trip to any of these states, fall or early winter is a great time to avoid those pesky biters.
Which Country Has No Mosquitoes?
Unless you’re planning on traveling to Antarctica or Iceland, you’ll likely encounter mosquitoes, especially during the summer months. Places with colder climates, such as Greenland or the Faroe Islands, are likely to see fewer mosquitoes, though they can still be found.
Antarctica lacks mosquitoes as well as other insects due to its harsh climate. Even the water is too cold for mosquitoes there. They prefer a warm, arid climate so they can survive and even thrive.
While Iceland has some seasonal temperatures and greenery that can sustain some insect species, mosquitoes aren’t one of them. During other times of the year, Iceland’s climate can be similar to Antarctica.
When it comes to determining whether your vacation spot will have lots of bugs, consider two things: temperature and humidity. The “swampier” (or more humid) the climate, the more likely you’ll encounter a lot of insects and mosquitoes.
Learn more about How Mosquitoes and Ticks Spread Disease.
Hot Places Without Mosquitoes
While Antarctica offers a mosquito-free experience, it’s not a popular vacation destination for a reason: it’s too cold and harsh. If you’re looking to relax in a considerably warmer climate and you’re up for a little adventure, visit the tiny island of Montserrat in the Caribbean British West Indies. It’s one of few very hot spots in the world that allows you to essentially live a mosquito-free life. Scientists aren’t exactly sure why this location doesn’t have mosquitoes, as it has all their usual requirements: tropical temperatures, humidity, and plenty of water. The constant volcanic activity that the island is known for may be a significant factor (maybe the mosquitoes know something we don’t).
The islands of French Polynesia also have fewer mosquitoes than most islands with a similar climate. Tahiti is one of these islands, and it’s a beautiful place to vacation, with breathtaking views and a tropical vibe that will quickly mellow you out. It’s known for its picturesque beaches and lavish resorts. French Polynesian vacation spots attract thousands of tourists every year, but thankfully, not as many mosquitoes.
A Mosquito-Free Life Is Rare, But You Can Get Close!
While it’s challenging to find places where there are no mosquitoes, you can significantly reduce your exposure to them by carefully selecting your destination and taking preventative measures. When outdoors, use mosquito repellent, wear protective clothing that includes long-sleeve shirts and pants, and stay indoors during peak mosquito activity (dawn and dusk). Taking these preventative steps can help reduce your chances of being bitten by a mosquito.
Unfortunately, wherever you go, those annoying pests will be faithfully waiting for you when you finally return home—because they never take a vacation.
To stop an infestation in your backyard before it begins, contact your local experts at Mosquito Joe®. We can make your yard more enjoyable all year by providing mosquito control and controllingtheir habitat. Request a free quote or call us to get started.
FAQs About Mosquitoes
Are there mosquitoes at the beach?
Yes! The beach can have standing puddles of water that make it the perfect habitat for mosquitoes. Mosquitoes breed in standing water, and when the humidity in the air is high, it creates the perfect atmosphere for them to thrive.
Are there fewer mosquitoes near the ocean?
Many people believe there are fewer mosquitoes near the ocean due to the movement of the waves and the cool breezes by the beach, but that simply isn’t true. The ocean can leave puddles of water behind that make the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes to thrive.
