Latest News from BPCA

04 August 2017

Confirmed: Invasive Asian tiger mosquitoes in UK

Public Health England (PHE) has reported that a monitoring project in Kent discovered Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) larvae.

Tiger mosquito sucking bloodPublic Health England has been running 30 detection points at numerous British ports and airports. Since invasive mosquitoes became more widespread in France, surveillance has been conducted by PHE at motorway service stations in south east England on the main routes from the south coast ferry ports and Eurotunnel.

BPCA Chief Exec, Simon Forrester said:

“Professional pest control will be the line of defence in protecting the general public, both in identifying the spread of the invasive species and controlling the potentially deadly insect if it gains a toe-hold in the UK.”

Dr Jenny Harries, Deputy Medical Director at Public Health England, said:

“As a precaution, we advised the local authority on measures to eradicate the mosquito and remove any suitable habitats in the area. We will continue to monitor the situation closely through our surveillance system. There is no immediate risk to public health in the UK.”

Invasive insect

The Asian tiger mosquito is a small black-and-white day-time biting insect. It is native to the Far East but was accidentally introduced to Europe back in the 1970s. It has now spread through much of southern Europe and has been gradually pushing northwards.

These mosquitoes are primarily urban and actively bite during the daytime. As well as being a significant nuisance they can also carry human diseases, and they have been responsible for outbreaks of Chikungunya disease in France and Italy - resulting in several human deaths.

While we recognise that there’s no immediate danger to the public, as an industry we need to prepare to deal with this and any other invasive specifies that threatens public health. BPCA members are well placed to fight this invasive species, and we welcome the opportunity to work with Public Health England and other key stakeholders to keep our population safe.

Dee Ward-Thompson, BPCA Technical Manager

If you would like more health and safety information and you're a BPCA member, you can head to BusinessShield for useful safety documents. If you have a specific question, you can contact our technical team


Dee-ward-thompson-Staff-BubbleDee Ward-Thompson
Technical Manager

4 August 2017  |  BPCA Bulletin 

Source:

Highlights View all news

18 August 2025

Latest news

HSE launches consultation on anticoagulant rodenticides

The HSE is holding a public consultation on renewing anticoagulant rodenticides under the GB Biocidal Products Regulation

Read more

11 June 2025

Latest news

Spending Review 2025: Key announcements at a glance and how it might affect pest management

BPCA has been closely monitoring the announcements, and although pest management wasn’t directly addressed, several changes may have implications for the sector.

Read more

06 June 2025

Latest news

Results are in: meet your new BPCA Board representatives 2025

Six new Member Directors have been chosen to help lead the Association and represent the interests of BPCA members at the highest level.

Read more
Latest View all news

19 August 2025

Latest news

Shield Pest Control proudly marks 50 years of service

Press release: 2025 is a milestone year for BPCA member Shield Pest Control, who proudly celebrate 50 years since the business was founded.

Read more

19 August 2025

Latest news

Shield Pest Control announces its new Royal Warrant Award

Press release: Shield Pest Control is delighted to announce they've been granted a new Royal Warrant of Appointment from His Majesty The King.

Read more

18 August 2025

Latest news

VIDEO: Field work in pest control

Clara Guisan from Pest Solutions shares hands-on research from the field, revealing how data collected on live jobs can transform the way we tackle pests.

Read more