Where Can You Get Mosquitoes in Wales?
WouterGetting bitten by mosquitoes is unpleasant and annoying. These tiny creatures can cause itchy bumps on the skin and some may even carry diseases. They can also transmit viruses, such as dengue, yellow fever and malaria. They can be found all over the UK, but they are particularly active in summer.
The British Pest Control Association advises the public to maintain a mosquito-free environment. There are over 30 native species of mosquito in the UK, which include Aedes aegypti, Culex pipiens and Culex molestus.
Female mosquitoes lay up to 200 eggs in a single cycle. They need a high protein blood meal to do so. They can lay their eggs in a number of ways, including in water butts that have no lids.
The mosquito population in New South Wales has skyrocketed during the floods. Many towns have run out of insect repellents and some have run out of post-bite gels.
While the UK does not currently have a mosquito that is capable of spreading dengue, the Asian Tiger mosquito is known to transmit the disease. Infected mosquitoes bite during the day and are more likely to be found in built-up areas. The Asian Tiger mosquito has a long history of spreading from Asia to southern Europe.
They can be a real nuisance during the summer. They prefer warm, damp conditions and often thrive in standing water, such as marshes, wetlands and pools. They are also attracted to carbon dioxide and other odours.
