Is there anything more annoying that the quiet buzz of a mosquito in your ear, gently but torturously needling you out of sleep and into a nocturnal state of frenzied swatting and itching?
We don’t think so. Which is why the recent weather might be bad news. ‘It has created perfect breeding conditions for mosquitoes and other biting insects in the UK,’ says Howard Carter, founder of Incognito mosquito repellent.
‘Heavy thunderstorms have left behind pools of stagnant water, followed by warm, humid temperatures. That’s an open invitation for mozzies to breed rapidly.’
Remember the sweltering summer of 2018, when heatwaves were followed by downpours? That year also proved the ideal conditions for mozzies to lay their eggs. ‘Female mosquitoes can lay more than 200 eggs at a time, so it’s no wonder we quickly notice when their numbers increase,’ said Dr Amanda Callaghan, a University of Reading expert, at the time.
So what can you do to protect yourself?
Beware ponds (especially pond dye)
Male mosquitoes live on plant nectar and fruit juice. It’s actually only the female ones that feed on the blood of birds and mammals (including you) and they do so in order to feed their developing eggs.
So beware places where they lay these eggs, which means any area of standing water, not only ponds. ‘Anywhere near fresh water is often a problem, including places where there are “accidental ponds” – empty plant pots, old tyres and so on can provide excellent places for them to lay their eggs,’ says entomologist Professor Adam Hart of the University of Gloucestershire.
Tip stagnant water out of places where it has no place being. Dr Callaghan also advises against pond dyes (used to control algae and weeds). ‘Mosquitoes love dark water and black pond dyes are irresistible to female mosquitoes,’ she said.
Pick the right fabrics
Mosquitoes have six sharp, long mouthparts (proboscis) that can pierce and bite through some fabrics as easily as bare skin. The thicker and looser the fabric, the more protection it offers. Skintight leggings, for example, are no impediment to a mozzie.
Wear the right colours
Mosquitoes are attracted to heat. Since dark colours hold in heat, while light colours reflect it, you’re safer in paler clothes.
Think: ankles, neck, wrists, feet
Mosquitoes are attracted to areas of your body where the blood vessels are close to the surface of the skin (making it easier for them to extract blood). That’s why they’ll often target your ankles, wrists and neck. So what should you do? ‘Wear closed footwear,’ suggests Professor Hart. ‘Mozzies love feet. It is also a good idea to use a strong repellent – something that contains 50% DEET (or more) is usually the most effective. However, being completely covered up and soaked in DEET is not everyone’s idea of a good time.’ So what else can you do?
Dusk is the danger zone
‘Mosquitoes are more active at dusk and dawn,’ says Professor Hart. So make sure you take precautions at those times. You’re safer at other times, but not entirely safe: ‘You can get bitten at any point during the day and night.’
Use fans…
Fans can help deter mozzies, says Professor Hart: ‘Just make sure the current of air is directed at you, so that the mosquitoes have a hard time landing.’
…and nets at night
‘If you’re getting bitten at night, I’d strongly suggest sleeping under a mosquito net,’ says Professor Hart. ‘They work. If you get a fan, sleep under a net and use repellent, then you should have a trouble-free night’s sleep.’
Spray entrances
Want to keep mozzies outside? Howard suggests spraying insect repellent on and around doors and windows, to keep them out of the house.
Be aware of mozzie magnets
Some people really do attract mozzies more than others. Research suggests this is down to factors including skin odour, your skin’s microbiome and even your DNA (A 2015 twins study found that the latter may account for nearly 67% of mosquito attraction). That’s bad news for those who get bitten (there’s not much you can do about your DNA), but potentially good news for those holidaying with them: ‘Sharing space with that person might well mean that you escape unscathed,’ says Professor Hart.
Don’t get pregnant
A study in The Lancet found that pregnant women attracted twice as many mosquitoes as their non-pregnant counterparts, because they exhaled more carbon dioxide and had higher body temperatures, making it easier for mosquitoes to detect them.
Do wash after exercise
Children are often bitten more because active play raises their body temperatures and their appeal to mosquitoes. But mosquitoes are also powerfully attracted to lactic acid, meaning that if you’re sweaty, you’ll be swarmed. So wash. Please.