How to defend yourself against mosquitoes this summer
They’re the flying pests on a mission to leave you covered in itchy red bites, but how do you win the war against mosquitoes? The recent warmer weather has led to a boom in mosquito numbers here in the UK, meaning many of us could be heading for a bite-filled summer. But our bug man Professor James Logan says there is a way to defend yourself from the oncoming swarm. He’s live in the studio to make sure you're ready and armed for the summer fight.
Mosquitoes prefer warm, yet damp conditions so with the UK's variable weather mosquitoes can be prevalent from warm spring showers in April through to damp, but mild conditions in October. There are 34 mosquitoes native to the UK (worldwide there are more than 3000 species.)
Are you more likely to witness them at night?
Mosquito activity varies between species, but most in the UK will search for a blood feed at dawn and at dusk (twilight).
Why are we seeing a rise of mosquitoes in the UK?
There are two main reasons as to why we are seeing more mosquitoes in the UK.
1. We're starting to see hotter summers and milder winters. So whereby mosquitoes would usually be killed off in the winter months, they are now surviving. Our summers are also long so their active period has increased too.
2. Because of this new climate, we're seeing new species arriving in the UK. These mosquitoes have historically been found in tropical regions but can now survive the British climates.
Should we be concerned about these new mosquito species?
The new species of the Aedes mosquito carries diseases that aren't found in the UK, Dengue fever and yellow fever. At the moment the winter is able to kill them off, but they are now able to breed here because of the rising temperatures.
In the UK, Aedes tend to congregate in areas near motorways as they are usually brought over on lorries; they can't yet survive a British winter so mass dengue and yellow fever transmission remains unlikely (while still being possible) until the climate gets significantly warmer.
Do certain parts of the country see higher numbers of mosquitoes?
Kent is one of the worst affected parts of Britain, in 2022, areas around the river Stour were inundated - because it is warm and has plenty of marshland. Professor James says: "Yes certain areas have higher numbers but they're found across the UK, as high as Scotland. There are various hotspots including Kent, parts of Liverpool, around London and Epping Forest.
Are some people more susceptible to being bitten?
The hotter and sweatier you are, the more likely you are to get bitten. Mostly, it's about luck, certain people produce higher levels of carboxylic acids and other natural repellents on their skins and so will always bat away more mozzies. Professor James says: "People that don't get bitten or don't react to being bitten are naturally repellent but there is still more research to be done on where this natural repellent comes from.'
What can we do to ward them off?
There are various steps that can be taken to prevent getting bitten.1. Wearing long and loose clothing 2. Using a repellent. 3. Aerosol to spray on the mosquitoes. 4. Plug in devices that warm up and release chemicals. 5. Going back to basics with a fan, or aircon, to keep the air cool and moving. 6. Nets to cover your face, such as over a hat 7. Bigger nets to cover windows and doors.
Be careful of paddling pools!
Professor James says that mosquitoes are attracted to big bodies of water - which a paddling pool can replicate. Try not to keep any stagnant water in your garden, pour out paddling pools in the late afternoon and empty buckets. Mosquitoes will breed in a bottle top with water in it, so you need to be vigilant.
What about citronella?
There are a selection of products that are on the market that Professor James says won't work. Don't bother with citronella, as there is a lack of evidence to support its use, and the same goes with anti-mosquito wristbands; one study showed that people wearing wristbands got bitten five times faster than those who sprayed their skin. Professor James says: "There is so much out there claiming to repel, but they don't work. This includes Marmite, vitamin d, citronella candles, and wristbands."
Can eating certain foods ward them off, I've heard curries can keep them at bay?
Over the years, studies have suggested that everything from drinking beer, eating spicy foods to smoking might repel the mosquitoes. Professor James is more sceptical about all this. It is possible that plant essential oils have a repellent effect, but over years of research, I have never really been able to show anything you eat or drink, including garlic or beer, gin and tonic, or spicy food has any impact."
If you've been bitten, what should you do?
Oral antihistamine: You need to start taking it a few days before your holiday, as it takes a while to have an effect. Blocks of ice: There's no point sucking poison out, as there's no venom in a mosquito bite; instead try a block of ice to reduce swelling or dab the area with either a mix of bicarbonate of soda and water or an antihistamine cream.
Don't scratch: If you do, you can break the skin and let in bacteria, people have lost limbs from something as mild as scratching a mosquito bite.
Keep the area clean: This is all to help reduce the risk of infection
What about people travelling abroad, should they take extra precautions?
When travelling abroad the same precautions should be made. Professor James says: "I like to think of myself as empowering people with the knowledge that gives people the freedom to travel still. You should go on holiday wherever you want but do it with the tools that will keep you safe. Go to the travel clinics, and get the required vaccinations."