Mosquitoes Coming To A Garden Near You!

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Warm, wet summer weather has created perfect breeding conditions

The warm, wet summer has created perfect breeding conditions for mosquitoes which are known to be breeding at Isleworth's Mogden Sewage Treatment Workds (they do not breed in the sewage) and also in nearby gardens, allotments and road drains where stagnant water is available for them to breed.

The type of mosquito currently causing nuisance has been recorded in London since the early 1900s. In addition to their requirement for water in which their young can develop, this type of mosquito seems to be at home in water of high organic content which is found, for example, in road drainage gullies and the underground areas of Mogden Sewage Works.

They can also breed in water butts, garden ponds and any water left standing for a few days. Just a cupful of water is enough to allow hundreds of mosquitoes to develop.

Thames Water follows a strict year-round programme to control mosquitoes at Mogden Sewage Treatment Works. The London Boroughs of Hounslow and Richmond upon Thames also take action to prevent mosquitoes breeding outside the site.

The following steps can be taken to prevent mosquitos breeding around your property:

• Keep carp or goldfish in your garden pond - they will eat any mosquito larvae that are there.
• Keep your gutters and flat roofs clear from dead leaves. If they are left, they can trap water, where mosquitoes could lay eggs.
• If you are collecting rain water in a water butt, make sure the lid is properly sealed. This will stop mosquitoes entering and breeding.
• Turn over wheelbarrows, buckets, dustbin lids, and other containers that can collect and hold water when you are not using them.
• Change the water in birdbaths, potted plants and paddling pools at least once a week.
• If you use a plastic sheet or tarpaulin to cover your garden furniture, arrange it so that any water can drain away.
• Do not keep litter or used tyres lying around. Water can collect here and provide mosquitoes with a good breeding site.

August 9, 2007