Canary Islands and Britain see surge in mosquito activity amid hot, rainy weather

After a March storm left standing water across the Canary Islands, mosquito numbers have risen dramatically in June, with residents reporting dozens of bites. A visitor to Gran Canaria said, "Wróciłem właśnie z Gran Canarii z niezbyt miłą pamiątką na skórze. Na rękach, nogach i szyi mam ponad 30 miejsc z ukąszeniami po komarach." Health officials note the presence of invasive Aedes species such as the tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) and the Egyptian mosquito (Aedes aegypti), which can transmit dengue, Zika, chikungunya and other viruses. Authorities are conducting chemical sprays around water bodies, gardens and ports to curb the outbreak.

In the United Kingdom, entomologist Dr Mojca Kristan warned that unusually high temperatures combined with June rains create ideal breeding conditions. She explained, "Maj był zbyt suchy, ale w czerwcu pojawiły się opady, więc w środowisku jest już więcej wody," and cautioned that invasive species could become established, increasing the risk of tropical disease transmission. Eggs of the tiger mosquito have already been detected on the islands, prompting advice to eliminate standing water from containers.

Both regions are monitoring mosquito populations closely as climate‑driven changes raise public‑health concerns across Europe.