UK Mosquito Surge 2025: Why You’re Getting Bitten More - And How to Fight Back

After weeks of downpours followed by soaring summer heat, the UK is facing a perfect storm - for mosquitoes. If you feel like you’re getting bitten more than ever, you’re not imagining it. According to bite prevention specialist and our co-founder Howard Carter, a mosquito outbreak in the UK could be just weeks away.

“We currently have the perfect breeding conditions for mosquitoes in the UK,” says Howard. “People are already getting eaten alive and coming to me for advice.”

But it’s not just about the itchy red bumps anymore. With more Brits returning from overseas travel, there’s also an increased risk of serious mosquito-borne illnesses - including dengue and malaria.

The Bigger Picture: Why the Threat is Growing

This summer, the World Health Organization (WHO) has already reported record global numbers of dengue cases. And while the Asian Tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) - a known dengue carrier - has been found in parts of the UK, it currently doesn’t carry the virus here.

That could change.

“It’s only a matter of time,” says Howard. “We’ve seen a resurgence of malaria since COVID and now the same conditions are forming for dengue.”

With travel, climate shifts, and urban water stagnation all contributing, mosquito populations are thriving in new regions, including right here in Britain.

Your Garden Is the New Danger Zone

You don’t need to be in a tropical rainforest to be at risk. Standing water in a flowerpot saucer, a clogged gutter, or a nearby water butt could be enough to attract mosquitoes to your garden. And while it’s easy to think you’re safe indoors, mosquitoes are opportunists.

The CLOAK Method: Your Shield Against Bites

To help people protect themselves, Howard developed the CLOAK method - a simple five-step system to avoid becoming a mosquito buffet:

·       C – Cover up: Wear clothing that shields arms and legs.

·       L – Light colours: Mosquitoes are drawn to dark shades, so go light.

·       O – Odours: Sweat and strong scents attract mosquitoes. Use citronella-based soaps and exfoliate if you’re a bite magnet.

·       A – Apply repellent: Use a clinically proven repellent containing PMD (para-menthane-3,8-diol) - a natural alternative to DEET. (incognito® contains the purest PMD available.)

·       K – Keep away from stagnant water: Even small puddles or containers can breed larvae.

Howard’s Top Bite-Prevention Tips

·       Target key bite zones - mosquitoes often go for thinner skin near ears, wrists and ankles.

·       Layer your protection: Wash with a citronella soap, moisturise with a repellent lotion, and finish with a spray. Always spray last.

·       Repel at the threshold: Spray insect repellent around doors and windows - mosquitoes often lie in wait just outside.

·       Go hands-free: Use an Insect Repellent Bracelet for all-day protection, especially useful for kids and on-the-go activities.

Final Thought: Stay One Step Ahead

As the mosquito population builds, preparation is key - whether you're lounging in the garden or heading off on holiday. Don’t wait until you’re covered in bites (or worse, bringing something more dangerous back with you).

The good news? A few small changes to your daily routine - plus the right products - can make all the difference.

🦟 Explore our range of natural, DEET-free repellents. 
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