Statement from consultant entomologist, Paul Moore regarding the rise in reported insect bites in the Ballykelly area:
The specimen responsible has been identified as a female mosquito – Culiseta annulata. This is one of the most common species (out of 18 species on the island of Ireland) found in the rural environment. They normally enter a hibernation state during the winter months in cold dark spaces but can ‘wake up’ if the ambient temperature increases enough, as in past days.
Once awake, they may seek out a nearby host to feed on – bird, horse, dog or human. They usually target bare skin but can bite through tight, thin clothing. Having fed, they will seek out a suitable hibernation site, such as trees, caves, attics, garages and outhouses. Hibernation lasts until temperatures rise in spring but can be interrupted by unseasonal weather.
From early spring and through the summer months, mosquitoes lay their eggs in still water. Any source of still water can produce a mosquito population. Water butts, garden ponds, discarded tyres, drains, drainage ditches are all likely candidates.
Mosquito bites are very irritating to some individuals but not of any health concern. There are no diseases currently in Northern Ireland for them to act as vectors. Antihistamine, hydrocortisone, and calamine lotions will help to ease the irritation.
Do not scratch the bite as it inflames the site and can damage the skin leaving it open to bacterial and fungal infections not associated with the mosquito.
Treatment is best achieved by eliminating any potential breeding grounds for next year. Insecticide application on a large scale is not warranted due to detrimental effect on non-target species. Households could treat suspect hibernation spaces with aerosols containing permethrin insecticide, but this is overkill for possibly one or two mosquitoes. Control treatments should be carefully balanced where warranted.