The Rosemary Mosquito: An Unlikely Culprit

Mosquitoes are a nuisance to most people, and they are known for transmitting diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus. However, did you know that there is a particular type of mosquito that has been found to be attracted to rosemary? Yes, you heard it right! The Rosemary Mosquito is a species of mosquito that has been observed to be attracted to the scent of rosemary plants. In this blog post, we will be exploring this unusual phenomenon and what it means for us.

What is the Rosemary Mosquito?

The Rosemary Mosquito, also known as Aedes camptorhynchus, is a species of mosquito that is commonly found in the Mediterranean region. It is a small mosquito, measuring about 3-5 mm in length, and has distinctive white bands on its legs and thorax. While it is not known to transmit any diseases to humans, it is still considered a pest due to its annoying habit of biting.

Why Are They Attracted to Rosemary?

According to recent studies, it has been found that the Rosemary Mosquito is attracted to the scent of rosemary plants. This is because the rosemary plant contains a compound called 1,8-cineole, which is known to repel mosquitoes. However, in the case of the Rosemary Mosquito, it seems to have the opposite effect. Researchers believe that the mosquito may have developed a preference for the scent of rosemary due to the abundance of this compound in the plant.

Where Can You Find Them?

The Rosemary Mosquito is commonly found in the Mediterranean region, where rosemary plants are abundant. However, they have also been found in other parts of the world, including Australia and South Africa. They prefer to breed in stagnant water, such as in flower pots, bird baths, and outdoor fountains.

How to Repel the Rosemary Mosquito?

While the Rosemary Mosquito is not known to transmit any diseases, it can still be a nuisance when it comes to biting. Here are some ways you can repel them:

1. Use Mosquito Repellent

Using mosquito repellent is one of the most effective ways to keep mosquitoes away. Look for repellents that contain DEET or picaridin, as these are known to be effective against mosquitoes.

2. Wear Protective Clothing

Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants can help prevent mosquito bites. You can also wear clothing that has been treated with insect repellent.

3. Eliminate Stagnant Water

As mentioned earlier, the Rosemary Mosquito prefers to breed in stagnant water. By eliminating stagnant water around your home, you can reduce their breeding sites.

4. Plant Mosquito-Repelling Plants

There are several plants that are known to repel mosquitoes, including citronella, lavender, and peppermint. Planting these around your home can help keep mosquitoes at bay.

The Risks of Mosquito Bites

While the Rosemary Mosquito may not transmit any diseases, other species of mosquitoes can be dangerous to humans. Mosquitoes are known to transmit diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus. These diseases can be life-threatening, and it is important to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

1. Malaria

Malaria is a life-threatening disease that is transmitted by the Anopheles mosquito. It is most commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions, and symptoms can include fever, chills, and flu-like illness.

2. Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is a viral infection that is transmitted by the Aedes mosquito. It is common in tropical and subtropical regions and can cause severe flu-like symptoms, including high fever, headache, and joint pain.

3. Zika Virus

Zika virus is a viral infection that is transmitted by the Aedes mosquito. It can cause mild symptoms such as fever, rash, and joint pain, but it can also lead to severe birth defects if contracted during pregnancy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can the Rosemary Mosquito transmit diseases?

No, the Rosemary Mosquito is not known to transmit any diseases to humans.

2. Are there any other species of mosquitoes that are attracted to plants?

Yes, there are several species of mosquitoes that are known to be attracted to certain plants. For example, the Asian tiger mosquito is attracted to the scent of lavender and lemongrass.

3. Is there a way to prevent mosquito bites naturally?

Yes, there are several natural ways to prevent mosquito bites, including using essential oils such as citronella and peppermint, wearing light-colored clothing, and using mosquito nets.

4. Can mosquitoes be beneficial to the environment?

Yes, mosquitoes are an important food source for many animals such as birds, bats, and fish.

5. Why do some people get bitten more than others?

Mosquitoes are attracted to certain scents, such as those produced by sweat and bacteria on the skin. Some people may produce more of these scents than others, making them more attractive to mosquitoes.


In the Rosemary Mosquito is an unusual species of mosquito that has been found to be attracted to the scent of rosemary plants. While it is not known to transmit any diseases to humans, it can still be a nuisance when it comes to biting. By taking precautions such as using mosquito repellent and eliminating stagnant water, you can reduce your risk of mosquito bites. Remember, mosquitoes can transmit dangerous diseases, so it is important to take them seriously.