Mosquito bites are a nuisance, and for those with 'skeeter syndrome' – an extreme inflammatory reaction to mosquito saliva – they can ruin summer nights. More concerning, the UK's third heatwave has created conditions favourable to Aedes aegypti, a species that can spread dengue fever, yellow fever and chikungunya.
UK searches for “yellow fever mosquito” have surged by 5,000% in the past week. The UK Health Security Agency has detected cases of this invasive species; mosquito eggs were found near Heathrow in 2023, and the Asian tiger mosquito was discovered at a Kent motorway service station in 2024. The yellow fever mosquito breeds quickly in warm, humid conditions, with eggs hatching within days in consistently warm water.
Now, a cheap and easily-obtainable ingredient can help prevent these pests entering your home. Cloves contain eugenol, a natural compound that disrupts mosquito behaviour. Simply cut a fresh lemon in half and press 10-15 cloves into the exposed pulp. Place the homemade repellent on a plate near windows or doors – the combination of smells confuses or repels mosquitoes.
Garden expert Luke Newnes at Hillarys advises three ways to stop gardens becoming breeding grounds. “A prolonged hot spell followed by muggy, still nights lets mosquito eggs develop quickly,” he says. “Most gardens are full of standing water.” He recommends fitting a fly-screen to external doors, fitting a secure lid or fine mesh cover over water butts, and emptying containers every 3-4 days to break the mosquito life cycle. Also check gutters and downpipes after rain to remove pooled water.
