Heatwave to see UK swarm with millions of mosquitoes in ideal breeding conditions

Heatwave to see UK swarm with millions of mosquitoes in ideal breeding conditions Mosquitoes are expected to become more active as soaring temperatures accelerate their breeding cycle, with an expert warning people to prepare for more bites An expert has warned the current heatwave has created the “perfect” conditions for a surge in mosquitoes. The blood-sucking insects are already a familiar summer nuisance not just on foreign holidays but in parts of the UK, which has more than 30 native species. But as hotter weather becomes more frequent, experts warn they could become increasingly active because higher temperatures have accelerated their life cycle. The warning comes amid concerns that mosquito species capable of carrying diseases such as dengue fever and Zika could become established in the UK in the coming years as the climate continued to warm. Dr Mojca Kristan, an assistant professor in medical entomology at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), said: “Weather conditions in the UK at the moment are perfect for mosquitoes. They like warmth as well as standing water to lay their eggs in. “May was too dry, but we’ve had rain in June so there’s water around and, as the weather continues to warm up, I would expect mosquitoes to emerge and start biting to get the blood they need to breed.” Dr Kristan said invasive mosquito species capable of spreading viruses including dengue fever, chikungunya and Zika were not currently established in the UK. But she said some of those diseases were already circulating in parts of Europe, particularly around the Mediterranean. Eggs from the Asian tiger mosquito ( Aedes albopictus ) had also already been found in the UK. She added that modelling studies suggested the climate in London and surrounding areas would most likely support the endemic transmission of dengue fever by the 2060s. Dr Kristan said: “At the moment there’s a low risk of bites from UK mosquitoes spreading serious illness, but we have to be alert to the threat of new disease-carrying mosquito species as climate change makes Britain a more attractive place for mosquitoes to survive and thrive.” Warm weather can also speed up how quickly mosquito eggs hatch, while female mosquitoes bite because they need blood to help develop their eggs. Dengue fever can cause flu-like symptoms, while chikungunya can trigger fever and severe joint pain. Most people infected with Zika only develop a mild illness, but the virus can pose serious risks during pregnancy and has been linked to miscarriage, stillbirth and birth defects. To protect against bites, Dr Kristan advised people to use insect repellent, cover their skin with long sleeves and wear socks in the evening, as mosquitoes often bite around the ankles.