Are Invasive Mosquitoes in the UK?
Table of Contents
Invasive mosquitoes have occasionally been detected in the UK, but neither the yellow fever mosquito nor the Asian tiger mosquito is currently considered established here.
In September 2026, the UK Health Security Agency confirmed that yellow fever mosquitoes and larvae had been found at residential properties in east London. Read the article here
Although this was the first confirmed evidence of the species breeding in the UK, UKHSA assessed the risk to the public as very low.
What was found in east London?
The mosquito identified in east London was the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti). UKHSA confirmed that adult mosquitoes and larvae has been discovered following a report submitted through its Mosquito Watch surveillance scheme. Control measures were introduced to destroy the larvae, with additional trapping and monitoring arranged in the surrounding area.
Importantly:
The species is not considered established in the UK.
No mosquitoes or larvae were found in nearby public areas at the time of the announcement.
There was no evidence of associated human infection.
UKHSA assessed the risk to the public as very low.
The mosquitoes are believed to have arrived accidentally, potentially through vehicles, luggage, imported plants or other transported goods.
Are yellow fever mosquitoes and Asian tiger mosquitoes the same?
No. They are separate species, although both belong to the Aedes group of mosquitoes.
Yellow fever mosquito
The yellow fever mosquito is scientifically known as Aedes aegypti. It usually has dark colouring with white markings on its legs and a distinctive pale, lyre-shaped pattern on its thorax.
This was the species found breeding in east London in September 2026.
Asian tiger mosquito
The Asian tiger mosquito is Aedes albopictus. It is usually dark or black with white-banded legs and a single white stripe running along the centre of its back.
Asian tiger mosquito eggs have previously been detected through UK surveillance, but the species is not currently considered established in the country.
Because several native mosquito species can appear similar, identification should not be based on colour or markings alone.
Do these mosquitoes carry disease?
In parts of the world where mosquito-borne infections are circulating, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus can transmit diseases including:
However, finding an invasive mosquito does not mean that it is carrying or transmitting disease.
UKHSA reported no evidence that the mosquitoes found in east London had caused human infections. The immediate public-health risk from the finding was assessed as very low.
Why are invasive mosquitoes being found in the UK?
Invasive mosquitoes can travel considerable distances through international trade and transport. Eggs, larvae or adult insects may arrive in:
Vehicles and freight
Luggage
Imported plants
Containers and goods capable of holding water
Warmer conditions may allow an introduced mosquito to survive temporarily.
However, UKHSA states that the yellow fever mosquito cannot currently survive long-term in the typical UK climate.
Continued monitoring is important because international travel, trade and a changing climate may create more opportunities for invasive species to reach the country.
How can residents prevent mosquitoes from breeding?
Mosquitoes need standing water in which to lay their eggs and develop. Even a small container can provide a suitable breeding site.
Residents can reduce potential breeding areas by regularly:
Emptying water from buckets, plant pots and outdoor containers
Refreshing water in bird baths
Cleaning gutters and drains that are holding water
Covering water butts securely
Emptying paddling pools when they are not being used
Removing discarded containers that can collect rainwater
Checking tarpaulins, wheelbarrows and garden equipment after rainfall
These precautions can reduce opportunities for both native and introduced mosquito species.
What should you do if you find an unusual mosquito?
Do not panic and do not rely on photographs from social media to identify the species.
If possible, take a clear photograph showing:
The mosquito’s body
Its legs and markings
The location where it was found
You can report a suspected mosquito directly to the UK Health Security Agency through the official Mosquito Watch scheme. Photographs can be submitted, and UKHSA also provides instructions for sending a collected specimen when appropriate.
Reports from members of the public help specialists monitor native mosquitoes and detect invasive species before they have an opportunity to become established.
Are invasive mosquitoes present in Herefordshire or Worcestershire?
There is currently no official evidence that either the yellow fever mosquito or Asian tiger mosquito is established in Herefordshire, Worcestershire or elsewhere in the UK. The confirmed September 2026 breeding detection involved residential properties in east London. It should not be interpreted as evidence of a widespread UK infestation.
PGM & Son Pest Control recommends following UKHSA information and using the official Mosquito Watch reporting service if you find a mosquito with unusual markings. If you are unsure of what to do call the PGM pest helpline for guidance on 01981 540088.
The key facts
The discovery in east London is significant for national mosquito surveillance, but it does not indicate an immediate widespread threat.
The yellow fever mosquito found breeding in London is not currently established in the UK, no related human infections were identified and the assessed public risk remains very low. Residents can assist national monitoring by removing standing water and reporting unusual mosquitoes through Mosquito Watch.
FAQs
Are invasive mosquitoes established in the UK?
No. Neither the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti) nor the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is currently considered established in the UK. Occasional detections are investigated and controlled by UKHSA.
What invasive mosquito was found in London?
The yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti) was found breeding at residential properties in east London in September 2026. UKHSA introduced control measures and assessed the public risk as very low.
Are yellow fever mosquitoes and Asian tiger mosquitoes the same?
No. They are separate invasive species. The yellow fever mosquito is Aedes aegypti, while the Asian tiger mosquito is Aedes albopictus. Both have distinctive pale markings but require expert identification.
Can invasive mosquitoes spread disease in the UK?
These species can transmit dengue, chikungunya and Zika in countries where the infections circulate. However, UKHSA found no evidence of associated human infection following the London detection.
How do I report an unusual mosquito in the UK?
Take a clear photograph without handling the mosquito unnecessarily, record where it was found and submit the details through UKHSA’s official Mosquito Watch scheme.
