As UK temperatures have risen, so has the potential threat from mosquitoes. There is some anecdotal evidence that the level of mosquito bites to humans has risen in the UK. The CIEH National Pest Advisory Panel has recently set up Mosquito Watch in the UK. As we know, mosquito bites are usually no more than a nuisance. Sometimes, however, things are more serious. The UK Health Protection Agency is currently concerned with the West Nile virus, which can be carried by birds and mosquitoes. In a study carried out by the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology in 2001/2 it was found that 14.7% of UK birds (in East Anglia) had positive antibodies indicating that they had been exposed to West Nile disease. This virus in humans has been found in Africa, West Asia the Middle East, the U.S. and Europe. Most human victims will recover from the virus, which is transmitted by a bite from an infected mosquito. Occasionally more serious health problems and even death can result. In the UK, no cases have been reported yet, but the Health Protection Agency is keeping a watching brief.
Here are some facts about mosquitoes:
- They prefer areas where there is salt water (a flood plain off of the sea is an ideal location).
- Mosquitoes prefer to bite at dusk or dawn.
- They prefer pregnant women. Why? One theory is that they breathe more heavily than normal while pregnant and the breath attracts mosquitoes.
- Mosquitoes will generally occupy and breed anywhere where there is latent water and even in used tyres or at the bottom of unused boats, for example.
How to reduce your exposure to Mosquitoes:
When outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk you may consider wearing clothing that covers more of your skin, such as long-sleeved shirts/blouses.
When indoors, consider using fly screens and fly killer machines. Insect-o-Cutor Fly Killers can be purchased from Arkay Hygiene.
The threat from mosquitoes is real - be prepared. Spray yourself with a flying insect prevention spray such as Prevent Spray from www.eeeee.co.uk |
