Mosquitoes in the Parish

UPDATE ON MOSQUITOES IN THE PARISH – July 2020 One of our Parish Councillors has reported about the current situation with this annual problem: I have been in touch with David Watts from Environmental Health at Bassetlaw District Council and the problem is the flood plain near to the river and the actual riverbanks where the mosquitoes are breeding. Public Health England are involved and are carrying out a survey over two years. There is a monitor positioned at Dover Lodge. Many of Gamston residents have Mosquito magnet machines which attract, trap and kill them and some are sending samples from these to PHE for the second year running. The mosquitoes are already far worse than last year. Apparently the Head Entomologist at PHE has stated that he has never seen so many before and is surprised at the numbers involved. After two years of data collection, they are hoping to conduct a scientific study on licence from PHE which will involve something called BTI blocks being placed in relevant places to slowly release over 2- 3 months and kill the larvae and pupa, but are still waiting to find out whether the licence will be issued this year or next. In the meantime, BDC are considering spraying the public areas that are worst affected by the actual mosquitoes that have hatched, for example hedgerows and the church yard.