In the Peene Valley wetlands of northeastern Germany, two researchers are on the hunt for mosquitoes. Scientists Mandy Schäfer and Patrick Gutjahr from the Friedrich Loeffler Institute investigate how rewetting peatlands affects mosquito populations and disease risks. After all, mosquitos need water to thrive. Using CO₂ traps and lab rearing, they study species like Culex pipiens, Aedes albopictus, and Anopheles claviger, which can transmit viruses such as West Nile, Zika, chikungunya and malaria. In the lab, scientists test what's known as vector competence: which species can transmit dangerous pathogens? Their research is aimed at improving public health strategies.