Pubs warned over mosquito threat
31 July, 2007
Carbon-dioxide producing patio heaters attracting bugs
Pubs with patio heaters are being warned to be aware of the increasing threat of mosquitoes to their customers.
The wet summer, coupled with humid conditions, has caused a rise in the number of mosquitoes in the UK.
And Matt Shardlow, director at insect conservation trust Buglife, has highlighted that mosquitoes are attracted to the carbon dioxide patio heaters produce.
“Patio heaters give off a massive animal signal, through warm carbon dioxide. Mosquitoes are attracted to this and when they find people standing around with a fag and a pint they have something to get their teeth into,” he said.
Shardlow added he had “personal experience” of this at the weekend, having been bitten outside a pub.
The smoking ban has seen a rise in the number of pubs using patio heaters to accommodate customers who want to spark up.
“Pubs should think about asking people to put on an extra layer of clothing which will protect from mosquitoes as well as stopping them getting cold,” Shardlow added.
Readers' comments
We have already seen a big problem with the bloody things, not so much outside but inside!! I have brought replelant for our locals as a good will gesture but it is certainly something that the brewery will need to look at long term, some one suggested some plug in things that you get from the chemist that give off a noise that they dont like, worth a try!!
Hmmm fly swatters with every pint!....could catch on.
Yet another downside to this ridiculous smoking ban
Maybe they should switch to electric
LOL ! Whatever next?
Customers could try a mosquito hood but remember it must cover no more than half of the face.