How Do Mosquitoes Live in the UK?
WouterDespite the UK being a relatively safe country to live in, there are plenty of mosquitoes and other insects that can cause discomfort and disease. There are about thirty native species of mosquitoes in the UK, and five that are not native. Some of these are potentially harmful to humans and animals, and can carry diseases such as malaria and dengue.
These tiny insects are not as painful as bee stings, but they can irritate the skin and cause discomfort. If you spend any time outdoors, you should use insect repellent and wear sun protection.
Most mosquitoes are active in the UK from April to September. They are found in warm, damp areas. They breed in standing water, such as wetlands, marshes, and pools.
A single female mosquito can lay up to 200 eggs at a time. These eggs are laid in places where there is still water, such as water butts and wheelbarrows. These breeding sites are ideal for mosquitoes.
In the UK, there are two main types of mosquito that can bite. These are Culex pipiens and Culex molestus. Male mosquitoes are half the size of females and have bushy antennae. They are also capable of hearing the sound of human voices and use flagella to catch the sound of their female counterparts.
Most mosquitoes seek out blood feed at dusk. These are usually confined to the coastal regions, but a small number of malarial outbreaks have been reported in the past.
