Why Are There Mosquitoes in England?
WouterHistorically, mosquitoes have not been a major problem in the UK. However, conditions are becoming more conducive to their invasion, and some species of mosquito are starting to bite humans. These insects are able to carry diseases, such as malaria and dengue fever.
There are more than 3,000 species of mosquito in the world. Of these, only a small number bite humans. However, a number of mosquito species can carry diseases, including West Nile virus, Dengue fever, and Yellow fever.
There are thirty species of native mosquitoes that live in the UK. Of these, 23 species are known to bite humans. In addition to causing nuisance, direct studies of mosquitoes biting humans are important for determining transmission rates for mosquito-borne pathogens.
The Asian Tiger mosquito is an invasive species that has spread through southern Europe. In England, it has been spotted six times since 2016. It is known for its ability to adapt to new environments. It can transmit dengue fever, Chikungunya, and West Nile virus. It also has a high tolerance to frost.
It was accidentally introduced to Europe in the 1970s. It is now established in Kent and parts of Essex. The UKHSA works with local councils to control Asian tiger mosquitoes before they settle. In addition, the UKHSA monitors the prevalence of mosquitoes and tests them for disease transmission.
The UKHSA has started a series of summer surveillance programs, focusing on the Thames estuary. These efforts include a team of mosquito trackers who swap 18th century nets for electric traps. They walk the marshlands and woodlands all summer, collecting samples of insects to be sent for analysis.
