PRESS RELEASE
Top tips to stop a surge in mosquitoes have been issued by a national trade body as Britain’s warm, wet weather continues – providing ideal conditions for them to thrive.
British Pest Control Association (BPCA), is urging householders and businesses to help curb the numbers of mosquitoes by taking a few preventative steps.
Some mosquito species will bite, which can cause a nuisance in the home or workplace, although many flying insects seen indoors are actually the harmless Crane Fly.
Dee Ward-Thompson is Head of Technical at BPCA. She said: “In Britain, mosquitoes cause those familiar itchy bites with a red swelling around them.
“Mosquito eggs are laid in stagnant water and adults, on emerging, need to feed.
“Male mosquitoes feed on the nectar of flowering plants, but females have tubular piercing mouth-parts that allow them to feed on human or animal blood. Females also require a blood meal before they can lay eggs.
“Individual mosquitoes can be killed with a swat or aerosol fly spray, but if the problem persists, we recommend contacting a pest professional.”
BPCA has three top tips to prevent problems with mosquitoes:
- Watch out for water – regular clearing of guttering, water butts, bird baths and other items such as old tyres will get rid of stagnant water, deterring mosquitoes from laying their eggs
- No fly zone - screens will help prevent adult mosquitoes getting into the home, use 1.2mm diameter mesh for mosquitoes or 0.6mm for midges
- Remember repellent – your local pharmacy will have insect repellent products that can help prevent bites and may also stop female mosquitoes getting the blood meal they need to breed.
Individual mosquitoes can be killed with a swat or aerosol fly spray, but if the problem persists, we recommend contacting a pest professional.
BPCA also has online guide which can be found at bpca.org.uk/mosquito
There are 30 native species of mosquito in Britain which are divided into two main groups. Culicine mosquitoes sit with their bodies parallel to the ground, while Anopheline mosquitoes are ‘nose down’ to the surface, with most having dark spots on their wings.
Dee added: “Most commonly seen indoors is Culex pipiens, which is often misidentified as a Gnat. It doesn’t bite, but is almost indistinguishable from Culex molestus which does.
“Another species that is fairly common indoors – especially near estuaries or marshes – is Anopheles maculipennis, a brownish species with small spots on its wings that bites readily, especially at dusk.
“If they are becoming a nuisance, we recommend seeking advice from a pest professional.
“They will investigate and take action on a case-by-case basis and have access to specialist equipment for dealing with mosquito issues.”
BPCA members are trained, experienced professionals with access to a range of specialist products not available to the public.
They are trained, qualified and regularly assessed to the British Standard in Pest Management BS EN 16636.
To find a BPCA member, visit bpca.org.uk/find
Source: Online