Key Summary
- Milder winters and warmer summers are extending the "biting season," with species appearing earlier in spring and lingering into autumn.
- Public Health England has launched a National Tick Surveillance Scheme to track the spread of ticks and the rising risk of Lyme disease.
- Experts recommend switching to clinically backed, plant-based repellents and avoiding strong perfumes to reduce the risk of stings and bites.
The UK is seeing a significant shift in insect activity as climate change alters the types of insects seen in British.
According to natural health expert Dr Tim Bond from Puressentiel, biting insects - once primarily a concern for those traveling abroad - are becoming a permanent fixture of the UK landscape.
Dr Bond said, "While diseases such as Zika, malaria, dengue fever, chikungunya and yellow fever are present globally; bites from mosquitoes, midges, ticks and spiders have become a growing threat in the UK. It’s largely due to climate change.”
He pointed out that milder winters, warmer summers and more rainfall are creating ideal conditions for insects. “Some species are appearing earlier in spring and lingering into autumn.”
Meanwhile, Public Health England has introduced a national TICK Surveillance Scheme (TSS) to monitor tick distribution and seasonality on a nationwide scale, as ticks carry bacteria linked to Lyme disease, which can cause flu-like symptoms and serious complications.
Dr Bond said plant-based repellents can used as effective natural alternatives to chemical repellents and have no side effects.
He suggests that lightweight, long-sleeved clothing in breathable fabrics like cotton or linen provides a physical barrier to insects.
Mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk. Dr Bond suggests moving outdoor workouts to the late morning or afternoon to avoid peak activity hours.
At home, installing fly screens and dimming lights in the evening can prevent insects.
