Despite the recent showers being a welcome respite from the inferno summer we’ve just experienced, after chatting with several colleagues, family members and friends it turns out we all have something in common. We’ve all been bitten to shreds this week. Even though many of us are running full-steam ahead to our winter wardrobe, it seems September still has some summery surprises in store for us, namely, summery pests.
Even with temperatures beginning to (finally) cool, many of us have seen a rise in mosquito populations across the country, which left me wondering why. I’ve been chatting to experts to find out what has caused this late season upheaval (spoiler alert: it’s weather related) and how best we can protect ourselves moving forward, including one easy swap that could make all the difference.
Why are there now more mosquitoes?
Turns out the rain we were all so grateful for brought some slightly pesky side effects along with it. The wetter weather has led to an increase in late-season mosquitoes breeding. While they may not necessarily be ‘surging’, it’s understandable why it might seem that way.
‘Rain itself isn’t necessarily the problem,’ says Ricky Young, owner of Youngs Pest Control. ‘It’s the standing water left behind afterwards. Mosquitoes need water for their immature stages, and relatively small collections of stagnant water can provide suitable breeding sites.’
Ricky goes on to explain, ‘Under favourable conditions, mosquito development from egg through the aquatic larval and pupal stages to an adult can occur surprisingly quickly. Temperature makes a significant difference, so warm weather following heavy rainfall can create particularly favourable conditions.’
Therefore, it’s likely many households will notice an increase in mosquito activity roughly a week or two after standing water habitats appear. This can come in the form of water collected in buckets, plant saucers, blocked gutters, children’s outdoor toys, tarpaulins, water butts and other containers around gardens. ‘Natural areas such as ditches and poorly draining ground can also retain water,’ says Ricky.
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The late-summer temperatures we’re currently experiencing are also important. ‘If conditions remain relatively warm after rainfall, mosquito development and adult activity can continue. Cooler conditions will generally slow things down.’ Yet, another reason we’re looking forward to winter.
The one thing you can do to stop yourself getting bitten
I’m sure we’ve all tried many different ways to prevent getting bitten over the years. From citronella candles to bug sprays that feel like self-fumigation every time you apply it. But after talking with Genevieve Faherty, global regulatory and public health expert in natural, multi-component biopesticides and the regulatory affairs director for Citrefine, I discovered a new tactic you may not have tried.
While some people are naturally more prone to bug bites, there are a couple of tricks the experts have up their sleeves to make themselves appear less tasty to pesky mosquitoes. One more unusual one being changing your Friday night drink. ‘Interestingly, consuming alcohol can increase your attractiveness to mosquitoes, as it subtly raises your skin temperature and metabolic rate.’
That’s right. According to the pros, your alfresco G&T could make you a target. While it’s not necessarily a guarantee, if you’re trying to shield yourself from the rise in mosquitoes this weekend, perhaps enjoy your drinks indoors.
More ways to prevent mosquito bites
Once you’ve moved cocktail hour inside, there are a few other quick and easy swaps to make yourself less appealing to the bloodsuckers.‘Mosquitoes are highly visual hunters and are strongly drawn to dark colours like black, navy, and deep red,’ says Genevieve. So if you’re planning to be outdoors following the showers, pick your outfit wisely.
‘Chemically, they are primarily attracted to the carbon dioxide we exhale and the natural lactic acid in our sweat. However, wearing strong floral perfumes or heavily scented body lotions can make you an easier target too,’ explains Genevieve.
Ricky recommends assessing your garden to help prepare for the incoming swarm, ‘One of the simplest measures is to walk around the garden after rainfall and look for anything that has collected water.’ From there, he recommends removing any standing water by emptying buckets, plant saucers, toys and containers after rainfall. As well as clearing blocked gutters and drains and covering water butts with a properly fitted lid or fine screening.
‘Rather than relying on perfumes or supposed mosquito-repelling scents, I’d recommend proven protective measures such as appropriate repellents, covering exposed skin and reducing nearby breeding habitats,’ says Ricky.
