MosquitoNI researchers uncover record mosquito numbers as public reports rise
Researchers from Queen’s University Belfast have found a record number of mosquitoes and several nuisance biting species in Northern Ireland (NI) this summer.
The team from the School of Biological Sciences are systematically surveying a variety of urban and rural habitats across NI. This includes in the Limavady village of Ballykelly, a location in which nuisance biting was previously publicised. There, they have identified wetlands, such as the shore salt marsh, which are potential breeding habitats of nuisance biting species. This short survey uncovered that these mosquitoes are currently moving from the marsh area in Ballykelly to bite within the other parts of the village, such as nearby woodlands.
In attempt to improve regional knowledge of mosquitoes and associated risks, earlier this year Queen’s launched MosquitoNI, the first public mosquito reporting system in the country.
Since then, the website has received a stream of consistent engagement from the public reporting mosquito sightings, allowing for the identification of nuisance biting locations and species.