Why this should be part of your everyday routine. Keeping you and your families safe!
It feels like the years of the insects are upon us!
The last year has seen an unprecedented rise in insect activity. Never before have we seen insects make the headlines so frequently in such a short period of time. In the UK alone, we saw a significant increase in biting bugs, making it as important as ever to be vigilant about staying protected, especially as winter is slowly retreating with the promise of warmer and longer days to come.
With climate change being one of the main reasons for these changes in insect behaviour, it’s fair to say that protection from disease-carrying insects is something we need to start thinking about in our everyday lives, especially when the warmer days are upon us.
With that in mind, we’ve done a quick review of what happened in 2023 and what the risks are for the year ahead. Remember, this is to keep you informed as much as possible. And with a preventative mindset, alongside your favourite incognito products in hand – you can enjoy your adventures stress-free no matter where you are or where you go!
What biting insects made the news in 2023
- With dengue outbreaks in Kent arising last year, it’s important to always stay vigilant about the potential risks posed by mosquito-borne diseases. This outbreak highlighted that these diseases are not confined to remote or tropical areas but can impact densely populated regions as well. We strongly recommend taking precautions, such as using mosquito repellent and eliminating stagnant water where mosquitoes breed. Read more here.
- With the increased number of tick bites having made the media last year arising from UK Parks, ensure that you always have some protection to hand. Contracting Lyme disease can be serious. Use your incognito insect repellent every day, as you would your suncream!
- The escalating presence of the Asian hornet, which made the news last year, is also one to be mindful of due to its aggressive behaviour and potent sting. It underscores the potential dangers this insect poses to both humans and local ecosystems. We encourage everyone to be on the lookout for these hornets and promptly report any sightings to the relevant authorities.
- And not to mention the bed bug infestation in Paris and London!
Looking ahead – what can we expect?
A report from the UK Health Security Agency warns that certain UK regions could face disease-carrying mosquitoes like those transmitting dengue, chikungunya, and Zika by the 2040s and 2050s. This worst-case scenario assumes high emissions and a 4 degrees Celsius temperature rise by 2100. Urgent action, including drastic greenhouse gas emission reductions, is recommended. The Asian tiger mosquito, a potential invader, raises concerns, with England predicted to be the first affected.
Amongst the many biting and stinging insects, the others to look out for include ticks, bed bugs, midges and fleas. Learn more about these biting insects and what you can do.
Current news & disease-carrying insects
In more recent news, we have seen insect activity making the headlines yet again!
Brazil recently declared a state of public health emergency in Rio de Janeiro due to a significant outbreak of dengue fever, just days before the Carnival celebrations were scheduled to begin.
Dengue fever is making headlines world-wide, with the WHO highlighting that dengue is a leading cause of illness and death in many parts of the world, particularly in some Asian and Latin American countries.
According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, In 2023, more than 6 million dengue cases and over 6000 dengue-related deaths have been reported in 2023 from 92 countries and territories. Last year, over 700 cases of the Zika virus were reported in Thailand, with more cases emerging in January of this year.
Dengue cases alone have surged eightfold in the past 20 years, partly due to improved reporting. During the Covid-19 pandemic, global cases decreased, potentially preventing 750,000 cases in 2020, but reporting challenges persist. The climate crisis heightens concerns, as mosquitoes carrying dengue could spread to new areas. Climate-related events, like hurricanes, create breeding grounds for disease-carrying mosquitoes, posing significant public health risks during recovery.
What you can do
Use incognito daily especially when insect activity is high and prepare for your travel! And follow these important C.L.O.A.K.S. guidelines whether you are at home or travelling, and especially if you’re prone to being bitten.
Travellers are advised to purchase insect repellents in advance of travel as many countries won't sell effective ones. This is especially important if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.
Strict bite avoidance measures are recommended for all travellers. Aedes mosquitoes carrying dengue, Zika, etc are particularly persistent and aggressive biters from dawn until dusk whilst the malaria-carrying anopheles species are active at night.
Other tips include: Spray clothes. Reapply insect repellent after washing hands or any other parts of the body. Stay inside, under a mosquito net if you have one, during dawn & dusk. Always sleep under a mosquito net as NO insect repellent will work all night long.
These are our essential protection for high strength protection to keep handy whether you’re at home or have travel plans: Loofah, soap, insect repellent 100ml Spray, insect repellent Bracelet and incense sticks.
Depending on where you travel or what activities you’re planning on doing, additional product recommendations will be advised. Please always get in touch with us if you’re unsure what product combinations are best for your travel or adventure plans.