London Underground passengers are being warned they could encounter more mosquitoes than usual this summer, with an expert claiming hot and dry weather has created favourable conditions for the insects below ground.
A surge in mosquito numbers has been reported across the network, particularly of the Culex molestus species, which is known for its underground habitats and tendency to bite humans.
Howard Carter, a London-based bite prevention expert and CEO of incognito, said: "The aptly named ‘Culex Molestus’ mosquitoes are rife in the London Underground now.
"These are the greatest molesters on our trains.
"An early surge in mosquito numbers this year, coupled with the drought, has resulted in a preponderance of these biters on the London Underground."
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Mr Carter said that the mosquitoes thrive in the stagnant water commonly found below ground, and that this summer’s weather has contributed to the increase.
He said: "The current high temperatures and the dry weather this summer has lead to the vast numbers of mosquitoes we are experiencing in the Underground network today.
"Because of the shortage of water above ground and stagnant water below, we are currently experiencing very high numbers of culex molestus mosquitoes in the Underground."
He explained that the insects began emerging earlier than usual due to an early rise in temperatures this spring.
He said: "Mosquitoes start to emerge when the temperatures start to rise in the spring.
"We saw early warm weather this spring, which meant that mosquitoes emerged earlier.
"The LSHTM reports that 'people started reporting biting already in mid spring, which normally wouldn’t be a biting season yet.'
"Everything's shifted a little bit earlier."
Mr Carter warned that without action, the problem could worsen.
He said: "Unfortunately people in the UK are more likely to not use insect repellent than to use it, partly because it has not been a necessity in the past.
"However, if people don’t learn to deal with biting insects now, it will get worse for everyone with even greater numbers of biting insects, as they will feed on people and produce more insects."
To help protect commuters, Mr Carter has developed a four-step prevention system.
It begins with thoroughly cleansing the skin and replacing scented toiletries with citronella and citrus-aromatic products that insects don't like.
This is followed by applying a clinically proven repellent such as incognito, which he claims is up to 100 per cent effective against mosquitoes for four hours, including those that carry diseases like Zika and dengue.
Step three involves using protective accessories such as bracelets, moisturisers or deodorants containing Java citronella.
The final step focuses on creating an insect-repellent atmosphere indoors or outdoors using incense sticks or citronella oil, and treating bites with aftercare products if needed.
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