“Mosquitoes have been evident on Hayling Island for many years and it is likely that the effect of the recent heavy rainfall which has led to localised flooding has exacerbated the problem this year. Unfortunately for us, the salt marsh mosquitoes lay their eggs in places prone to flooding with sea water as well as with rain.” said Dan Gorvin, Senior Environmental Health Officer at Havant Borough Council. He adds, “If these sites are not flushed out by subsequent tides and the water they contain lasts long enough, then successive batches of biting adults may appear at intervals throughout the summer.“

Other species frequently found on Hayling Island are two of the most common of the British mosquito Culex pipiens and Anopheles claviger. These mosquitoes lay eggs directly onto the surface of standing water, in the smallest puddle or pool. Favourite places are water butts, buckets, boats, tarpaulins and so on. Standing water even in small quantities may cause problems and encourage mosquito growth. Residents can reduce the chance of mosquitoes affecting them by removing standing water, emptying pots, or placing a few drops of vegetable oil onto the water’s surface which will suffocate the larvae.

Pest control operatives regularly treat mosquito-breeding areas with insecticides throughout the year and have done so since 1921 with the exception of a short break between 1979 and 1983. As well as using insecticides the operatives also spend time filling low spots in the soil, or setting the water in motion by removing blockages and cutting back overgrowth from ditches.

“However, in light of the recent heavy rainfall arrangements have been made for additional treatment to be carried out and we will continue to closely monitor the breeding sites over the following weeks and months.” says Dan.

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