Brits warned of biting bug invasion

With a rising mosquito population blighting the UK residents have been told how to deal with the pesky insects.

Garden lighting experts at LightingLegends.com warn that gardens around the country become a haven for biting bugs in the last weeks of summer, as humid evenings create the perfect environment for them to thrive.

Late summer often brings a combination of warmth and moisture from rain showers, which creates ideal breeding conditions for these biting bugs.

And as evenings get darker earlier, families may inadvertently attract mosquitoes when turning on garden lights and gathering around outdoor furniture, which can be a problem for households trying to make the most of the late summer evenings outdoors.

The lighting experts have advised that yellow or warm-coloured garden lights with a colour temperature between 2,200K and 2,700K are significantly less attractive to mosquitoes and biting bugs compared to cooler lights above 5,000K. By switching to these ‘bug-friendly’ lights, families can enjoy their outdoor spaces with fewer interruptions from insects.

Brits should also remove stagnant water sources and consider planting mosquito-repelling plants like lavender, marigolds and basil.

The UK is home to more than 30 types of native mosquito species, but with climate change impacting mosquito populations, they’re likely to become even more of a nuisance.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has even developed a surveillance system in place to detect invasive mosquitoes at the border.

Jon Saeed, managing director of Lighting Legends commented: “Late summer is when people tend to gather outside in the evenings, but this makes them more exposed to mosquitoes that are searching for food.

“The combination of mild weather, shorter days, and increased outdoor activity makes this period particularly risky for pesky bug bites.

“Fortunately there are some simple steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of you being bitten by these nuisance bugs when you’re trying to enjoy your outdoor space.”

Here are eight tips that can significantly reduce mosquito populations and make your garden more enjoyable as late summer rolls in – all without breaking the bank:

1. Remove standing water

Bugs like mosquitos breed in stagnant water, so eliminating standing water sources can go a long way in helping to reduce their population. Regularly check for and remove standing water in flower pots, birdbaths, gutters, and water trays.

2. Use mosquito-repellent plants

Certain plants naturally repel mosquitoes due to the oils and scents they release. Some of the best plants to use in UK gardens for this purpose include lavender, citronella grass, lemon balm, marigolds and basil.

3. Install bug-repelling lighting

Yellow or warm-coloured garden lights are less attractive to mosquitoes and biting bugs compared to white or blue lights. Swap out garden lights for yellow “bug lights”. You could also try solar-powered insect zappers.

4. Install mosquito traps

Traps lure mosquitoes by mimicking human scents and warmth, before trapping and killing them. There are electric mosquito traps available, some of which emit carbon dioxide to attract mosquitoes.

5. Maintain your garden

Dense, overgrown gardens can become a haven for mosquitoes, so keeping your garden neat and tidy should help prevent them. Trim bushes, mow your lawn regularly, and keep your garden free of debris and clutter.

6. Use essential oils

Essential oils like lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus can deter mosquitoes when used in diffusers or mixed with water and sprayed around your garden. Add essential oils to a spray bottle with water and spray liberally around areas where mosquitoes tend to gather in your garden.

7. Set up fans

Mosquitos are weak fliers, so having fans in your garden can help keep them away by creating a soft breeze. Set up outdoor fans around seating areas, particularly during still, warm evenings.

8. Encourage natural predators

Birds, bats, and certain insects like dragonflies are natural predators of mosquitoes. You can attract these animals to your garden by providing nesting boxes, bird feeders, and water sources for them.