Terrified residents left trapped indoors by clouds of biting 'mosquitoes'

04 October 2023 , 14:46

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Terrified residents left trapped indoors by clouds of biting 'mosquitoes'

Families says they been left trapped in their homes after becoming 'lunch' for what they fear are mosquitoes.

Communities near the Lincolnshire coast are being plagued by pesky insects and some say the situation is now so serious that they won't risk opening their doors. The BBC spoke to some residents have expressed their frustration and fear - with another considering relocating to escape the insect infestation.

Jane Dewey and her mother Winifred Baines called this year being the "worst they can remember" in terms of the mosquito problem. Jane stated: "From what people have said it's never been this bad before, you can't walk to the shop or anything without getting bitten."

Jane Dewey and her mother Winifred Baines are being plagued by the insects (bbc.co.uk)

Winifred, who showed numerous bite marks on her arm, mentioned her love for gardening but admitted she had not been able to enjoy it due to the mosquitos. She said: "I'm not even stepping out the door, other than quickly out the door and into the car."

Jane also shared that she has resorted to wearing long trousers and a jacket just to hang out the washing. In an attempt to keep the insects out of the house, she has fitted magnetic fly screens over all the bedroom windows.

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The report suggested having "as many spiders as you can bear in the house" as one way to deal with the mosquitos. Sharon Liddington, a resident of nearby Saltfleet, shared her own struggles with the insects, saying: "Last night I could not go to sleep because there were two buzzing around my head. You just can't get 'em, they are just too quick."

The bites have left people fearing to open their doors (bbc.co.uk)

Sharon, who has an insectocuter device to combat the bugs, pointed out a "dying mosquito" on her wall. However, she mentioned that the sizzling sound it makes "terrifies the dog". She expressed her disgust by saying: "I'd even move, they are that horrible."

Insect expert George McGavin explained that some mosquitos could survive until the end of autumn and even into early winter. He stated: "We've had some very mild winters so there is no reason why you couldn't see the odd mosquito popping up to spoil your Christmas Day."

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Sam Elliott-Gibbs