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Residents in Ballykelly, County Londonderry, are once again facing a surge of biting insects, identified as mosquitoes by experts. Molly Clarke, among others, has experienced severe reactions to the bites, resulting in large, itchy red spots and rashes. This resurgence of insect bites echoes similar concerns raised in the village around the same time last year. Clarke, who has had to seek hospital treatment for mosquito bites multiple times, now limits her outdoor activities to avoid being bitten.
A recent study conducted by Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) and the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), among others, has shed light on the mosquito populations in Northern Ireland, focusing on the Ballykelly region. While previous investigations pointed to Culiseta annulata, also known as banded mosquitoes, as the primary culprit behind the bites last year, new research has uncovered other mosquito species in the area responsible for the recent increase. These include Aedes detritus, known as the saltmarsh mosquito, and Culex pipiens, the common house mosquito, all of which have the potential to bite humans and animals.
According to Aidan Desjardins, a member of the research group, these mosquitoes, while posing minimal risk of disease transmission, can cause discomfort and irritation through their bites. The presence of these insects has significantly impacted the daily lives of Ballykelly residents, with many choosing to stay indoors to avoid being bitten. Clarke, who noticed the resurgence of mosquitoes in late September and October, expressed her frustration at not being able to enjoy her garden due to the severe reactions she experiences from insect bites.
Sharleen Wray, another Ballykelly resident, highlighted the impact of these mosquito bites on her family, particularly on her son Billy, who suffered from swollen and painful bites. Wray emphasized the necessity of using insect repellent before venturing outdoors in the area. Clare Smyth, another resident, recounted the challenges her daughters faced, with one requiring antibiotics multiple times after being bitten. The situation has made outdoor activities unbearable for some, causing distress and inconvenience to those affected
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