There’s no denying it — mosquitoes for most people in the UK are one of life’s little annoyances. You’ve no doubt had more than a few past encounters with this whiny pest while on holiday in sunnier climes, and likely woken up to find the itchy welts left behind by their bites. With the necessary vaccinations and a healthy slathering of insect repellent, there’s usually little to worry about. Of course, for many people around the world, the mosquito is a far more sinister creature and numerous pest control methods are employed to keep them at bay. So whilst you may feel protected abroad, is pest control needed for mosquitoes in the UK?
UK-Native Mosquitoes
Believe it or not, there are more than 3500 species of mosquito now known to us, and new varieties are being discovered on a regular basis. Of these, 34 are native to the UK. Though several of these native species are capable of transmitting pathogens, cases of serious bloodborne diseases such as malaria, dengue fever and yellow fever are very rare in the UK. Indeed, the vast majority of reported cases were contracted while abroad.
Interesting Fact: Only female mosquitoes bite humans. This is because they require the protein to produce eggs. Males feed on nectar and other sweet things.
However, the combination of increasingly warm summers and high levels of rainfall in Britain are creating ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes. As a result, prevalence has increased a great deal over the past decade or so, particularly in the south east of England where hotter weather is more commonplace.
There has also been an increase in introductions of non-native and invasive mosquito species. Fears have been raised regarding the Asian tiger mosquito which has already reached 25 European countries and is well-known for spreading Chikungunya, a disease which causes severe joint pain, nausea, fatigue and rashes.
How Dangerous are Mosquitoes?
There is no denying that mosquitoes are dangerous. They are personally responsible for more than a million deaths each year, more than any other animal combined. Sadly, many of these deaths are easily preventable, but a lack of access to adequate pest control and repellents make poorer countries and rural communities more susceptible to infections caused by mosquitoes feeding on human blood.
As we’ve mentioned above, contracting serious diseases from mosquitoes in the UK is highly unlikely, so it’s difficult to describe them as “dangerous” in this setting. “Very irritating” is perhaps more suitable.
Pest Control Methods for Mosquitoes
As with so many situations requiring pest control, prevention is better than reacting to the outcome.
Mosquitoes need still water in order to develop their larvae. Typically, they will choose ponds, lakes, marshes and water butts. However, they are just as likely to opt for any small quantity of stagnant water where they can breed unimpeded. You should seek to:
- Get rid of any empty cans, cups, containers or unused plant pots on your property that tend to gather rainwater
- Drill holes in the base of any recycling bins or containers that must be kept outside
- Check gutters to ensure that water is draining properly and clear any blockages
- Paddling pools should be packed away or at the very least, overturned when not in use
- Frequently change the water you put in bird baths and wipe down the rim when you do so (we suggest you use gloves as bird droppings can accumulate here)
Mosquitoes will also use vegetation as shelter and food sources in the case of males. If you suspect your home is a viable breeding ground for mosquitoes, we would highly recommend you spray pesticide on any plants near your property when the weather is warm. Be aware that most pesticides will only affect adult mosquitoes, so if eggs have already been laid, additional pest control methods will be required later on.
There are a variety of devices and sprays you can buy in shops that will help with mosquito control, but only a professional will be able to provide the specialist advice required to eradicate the most stubborn infestations.
Over to You
So, is pest control necessary for mosquitoes in the UK? Truthfully, the answer depends on your level of tolerance. An infestation is unlikely to turn deadly (though the possibility can never be ruled out) but if you feel like a “mozzie” magnet and wake up with new bites every day or struggle to sleep over the constant whining, you may well need to call in the experts from Safeguard Pest Control.
If you have any questions or would like to enquire about pest control services, don’t hesitate to get in touch today.
