Mosquitoes in the UK
WouterGenerally speaking, mosquitoes are more likely to be a nuisance than a health threat. However, there are some species that can bite humans, and these can be a problem. If you are travelling to the UK, it is wise to wear insect repellent, especially in the warmer weather. You can also use insect sprays and mosquito nets.
There are more than three thousand different types of mosquitos. Most of these are non-biting. Some are more invasive than others. They can carry viruses like West Nile virus and malaria.
Mosquitoes are most common during summer, when warm, humid conditions are the ideal breeding ground for them. They will swarm over standing water, such as pools, ditches, lakes, and marshes. You can prevent mosquitoes from breeding by removing standing water, and by using insect repellent.
There are two main types of mosquitoes: males feed on nectar, while females bite to produce eggs. A female mosquito can lay up to 200 eggs at a time.
There are over 30 native mosquito species in the UK. Fortunately, most of them don’t bite or spread disease.
There are also five non-native species of mosquito, including the Asian tiger mosquito. This invasive species has spread across southern Europe, and has recently reached the UK. Its larvae have been found in two sites in the UK.
The health protection agency (HPA) and the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) are running a Mosquito Watch scheme to find out how many mosquitoes are around the country. They are encouraging the public to take mosquito samples and send them in.
