Mosquitoes Arrive in Iceland

With disease-carrying mosquitoes detected in over 100 countries, Iceland has joined this unfortunate list, recording the presence of mosquitoes within its borders for the first time in the Nordic nation's history.

Insect enthusiast Björn Hjaltason said he found the mosquitoes on a farm in Kjós (Kjósarhreppur), located just north of Reykjavík, earlier in October 2025.

The discovery of three Culiseta annulata mosquitoes was recently confirmed by the Natural Science Institute of Iceland, which said the mosquitoes likely arrived by freight and appeared to be able to withstand Iceland's climate.

The species is a large mosquito that is widespread across Europe and the UK. 

For example, throughout 2025, an unusually high number of mosquito-transmitted chikungunya cases have been detected in countries such as France and Italy.

The institute noted on October 21, 2025, that the mosquitoes were among several new insect species discovered in Iceland in recent years, due to the growth of international transportation, and will continue to monitor developments. Last year, about 2.3 million international tourists visited Iceland.