Mosquitoes Could Contaminate From Eating Plastic

Mosquitoes feed on blood. It’s what these irritating, buzzy pests do best, but did you know that they have also found an alternative to feast on? It’s been discovered that they have a taste for plastic! And, with that desire to feed on this synthetic material they could be causing further contamination to other insects, animals and mammals. Here’s an article with some more information.

Mosquitoes are eating plastic. Why that’s a big problem.

Young mosquitoes who eat even small pieces of plastic could be contaminating other insects and mammals, according to new research. Authors of a paper – published in The Royal Society journal Biology Letters on Wednesday – found that when a mosquito larva eats microplastic, that plastic can remain in the insect’s body into adulthood. So, the microplastic could then be transferred to whatever might eat that mosquito, including birds.

As with anything when it comes to mosquitoes, this is concerning on the impact it will have on the ecosystem.

Plastic unfortunately, finds its way into areas of water by improper disposal. As water is an enticing habitat for mosquitoes to hang out, they’re getting their supply of their second favorite food source without having to go far to find it.

Microplastics can spread via flying insects, research shows

Microplastic can escape from polluted waters via flying insects, new research has revealed, contaminating new environments and threatening birds and other creatures that eat the insects. Scientists fed microplastics to mosquito larvae, which live in water, but found that the particles remained inside the animals as they transformed into flying adults.

What can be done to stop this? Well mosquitoes are always going to be a problem, so we need to do our best to cut off their food supply as best as we can. We should all be mindful as to how we dispose of plastics, but as a reminder, please do take extra care. Keep protected at all times from mosquitoes when you venture outside and even when you’re enjoying time at home.