With the northern hemisphere now entering summertime and temperatures rising, scientists are urging people to be on the lookout for the increasing scourge of mosquitoes.
Due to climate change and our warming planet, mosquitoes are spreading into new regions and with them the risk of mosquito-borne diseases is becoming a growing concern in both the UK and the US.
Here, we highlight the issue and provide practical tips to minimise the risk to yourself and ways to reduce the likelihood of mozzies taking root in your locality.
The Growing Threat
Mosquitoes are expanding their range due to rising global temperatures, which create more suitable habitats for them in previously unaffected areas. The Asian tiger mosquito, known for spreading diseases like dengue, chikungunya, West Nile, and Zika, is now being found in more northern latitudes, including parts of Europe and potentially the UK in the near future (euronews) (Physorg).
In fact the latest evidence suggests tiger mozzies now have a permanent foothold in large swathes of France, the Iberian peninsula and across the mediterranean, as well as into areas like southern Germany and across some of the Balken states.
This spread increases the risk of outbreaks of these diseases in new areas.
In the US, the spread of mosquitoes is also a significant concern. Warmer temperatures are allowing mosquito species such as Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus to expand their range northward, increasing the risk of diseases like dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. Areas that were previously too cold for these mosquitoes are now becoming habitable, exposing new populations to these threats (Physorg). According to the Wilson Center, the Anopheles stephensi mosquito, primarily found in India, has now spread to urban areas in the US, thriving in artificial water storage containers, thus increasing the risk of malaria in urban settings (Wilson Center).
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the geographic range of Aedes mosquitoes is expanding in the US, with these species now present in 38 states. This expansion heightens the risk of mosquito-borne diseases spreading to new areas, including more densely populated urban regions (euronews).
Tips to Minimise Your Risk
- Eliminate Standing Water: Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so regularly empty and clean items like flowerpots, birdbaths, and gutters. To put some perspective on it, mosquitoes can breed in as little as a 1/2inch / 1.27cm of water, and can go from eggs to larvae to flying insects in less than a week - with things like plant pots, old tires and guttering favourite spots - and mozzies are particularly good at finding these stagnant water spots.
- Use Mosquito Repellents: Apply insect repellent on exposed skin and clothing when outdoors, especially during peak mosquito activity times (dawn and dusk). Look for repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- Install Screens: Ensure windows and doors have screens to keep mosquitoes out of your home. Repair any holes or tears promptly - if you don’t, they will find them!
- Wear Protective Clothing: When possible, wear long sleeves, long trousers, and socks to minimise skin exposure. Light-coloured clothing is less attractive to mosquitoes.
- Use Mosquito Nets: In areas with high mosquito activity, sleep under a mosquito net for added protection.
- Use Natural Deterrents: Planting certain plants can help repel mosquitoes naturally. Lavender, marigolds, citronella, catnip, basil, and lemon balm are known to be effective. Consider placing these plants around your garden or patio, or in pots on window sills.
- Install Mosquito Traps: Devices that attract and trap mosquitoes can reduce their population around your home. These can be especially useful in gardens and outdoor seating areas.
- Participate in Community Efforts: Join or organise local clean-up efforts to remove potential mosquito breeding sites. Community action can significantly reduce the local mosquito population.
Additional Preventive Measures
Participate in Mosquito Monitoring: Use apps like Mosquito Alert to report sightings and track mosquito activity. This data helps scientists monitor and control mosquito populations.
Support Research and Public Health Initiatives: Advocate for and support local and national efforts to study and mitigate mosquito-borne diseases. Public health agencies, such as the UK Health Security Agency and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, provide valuable resources and information.
Mosquitos are both a nuisance and an increasing health risk - and tackling them requires a concerted effort. However, by taking some of the steps above - particularly eliminating standing water close to your home - you stand the best chance of staying bite free.
Good luck - and feel free to share any other top tips you have with us and the wider S2Z community.
