FEARS AMID 20% SURGE IN INSECTS

A MOSQUITO infestation is on its way to the UK and could even bring malaria back to our shores, experts warn.

A combination of unpredictable weather and the pandemic has made the UK the “perfect breeding ground”.

Pest experts say numbers of the biting insects will rise by 20% over this summer alone compared to last year.

Howard Carter – who has worked as a Government advisor during previous outbreaks such as the Zika virus – said breeding conditions this year present a perfect storm for mozzies.

He said: “The reason we’ve got so many this year is not just because of the warmer weather, but because we also had record rainfall in July.

“The mosquitoes will be out for another breeding cycle as the weather warms up at the end of August and beginning of September.

“As long as temperatures are above 14C, then mosquitoes can be up and flying.”

Half of France is now home to mosquitoes which are carrying dengue fever, with scientists saying malaria could return here. The last UK outbreak of it lasted from 1917 to 1921.

Mr Carter added: “Hotels and swimming pools that were completely abandoned during the pandemic became the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes... and less were being killed so we already started with a higher level of mosquitoes at the beginning of 2021.

“Because of the rise in temperatures and the increase in global travel, it is only a matter of time before malaria returns to the UK.”

Although the chances of getting mosquitoborne illnesses in the UK are slim, figures from YouGov show that 30,000 people go to A&E every August after insect bites or stings.