How To Protect Yourself From Mosquitoes
Once not a common problem found on British shores, however due to climate conditions making our country more hospitable for foreign insects, we are now joined by a wide variety of mosquitoes. As we are now fully into the insect flying season, we are giving some preventative advice on how to protect yourself from these little nippers.
Why Are We Seeing More Mosquitos Recently?
With a combination of our hot humid weather of late, and erratic downpours of rain, it provides an ideal environment for mosquitoes to flourish and thrive. So, as much as we’ve been welcoming the warmth, they certainly have too. That’s why you’ve most likely heard that unsettling high-pitched buzz taunting you whilst you are trying to sleep.
Their breeding season typically lasts for around six to seven months of the year, beginning in Spring. Meaning that we have still got a while to go yet, until we can stop slapping our ankles whilst sitting outdoors in the evening.
When Are Mosquitoes Most Active?
Like us, mosquitoes have internal body clocks. Due to their feeding routine, they are most active at dawn and twilight hours. Unfortunately, sometimes our blood is on the menu.
Do All Mosquitoes Bite And Are They Dangerous In The United Kingdom?
In the UK, there are more than 30 types of native species of mosquito. Luckily for us, not all of these are of the biting variety, however, they can still be a real nuisance.
The most common species found indoors is the Culex Pipiens, which is often misidentified as a gnat. These don’t bite or spread disease. The Culex Molestus on the other hand, will give you a nasty nip.
If you’ve been bitten, it’s from a female mosquito, as the males prefer to feed on sweeter substances.
Unlike other countries our mosquitoes don’t commonly bring diseases with them. They tend to just leave you with an irritating, itchy bite. This being said, there are more varieties edging closer through Europe and some have been found in the UK. Such as The Asian Tiger mosquito and it is getting more likely that we may see outbreaks of conditions such as Dengue fever in the future.
Read the latest research on why some people are more likely to be bitten by a mosquito.
How To Spot If You Have Mosquito Eggs In Your Garden
Female mosquitoes can lay up to 200 eggs at a time, and they do so in stagnant water.
Their eggs are small and back in colour. You’ll find them in batches floating at the top of water sources, such as ponds, bird baths, and buckets.
Preventative Measures You Can Make To Keep Mosquitoes Away At Home
There are a few preventative measures to help keep pesky mosquitoes away from yourself and your homes. This includes:
- Covering exposed skin, such as wearing trousers in active hours (dusk and dawn).
- Avoiding wearing brightly coloured clothing.
- Not using strong-scented perfume and deodorant. Whilst still making sure they won’t be able to smell odours that they are attracted to (such as smelly armpits – weird insects).
- Using effective insect repellent sprays.
- Lighting repelling candles whilst sitting outdoors.
- Removing areas in your garden that have standing water.
- Using mosquito traps.
- Installing insect screens on windows and doors.
- Planting insect-repelling plants and vegetables, such as garlic and lavender.
- Checking areas such as guttering, to make sure that any blockages have not left stagnant water.
- Putting covers over items in your gardens such as paddling pools when not in use.
- Introducing goldfish to your ponds, who will eat the mosquito larvae.
If you find you have a large infestation that DIY products won’t tackle, that’s when you may need to seek professional advice.
How A Mosquito Infestation Can Damage Your Business
Like having any type of fly infestation in a business, such as one in the food trade, it can really affect your reputation.
Most businesses thrive on positive reviews nowadays, so the last thing you want is word spreading that flies are buzzing around; in turn, affecting your hygiene ratings. Resulting in you losing custom.
If you find that you have a big infestation on your hands, we have three services that can assist:
We also offer a range of pest control contracts for organisations, to make sure you stay pest free and open for business.