Queen’s launches Northern Ireland’s first public mosquito reporting system amid future health risk concerns

Researchers at Queen’s University Belfast are calling on the public across Northern Ireland to help track mosquito populations after launching the region’s first dedicated mosquito reporting system.

The new initiative, MosquitoNI, marks the first time people in Northern Ireland have been invited to directly submit mosquito sightings online as part of a major scientific study examining what species are present here, where they are concentrated, and whether they may pose future health risks.

The four-year project comes as scientists warn that climate change, environmental pressures and the spread of invasive species are reshaping mosquito activity and the diseases they can carry in other parts of the world.

While no mosquito-borne diseases have been detected in Ireland, researchers say the work is designed to understand whether overlooked risks may be emerging closer to home.

Public asked to help map mosquito sightings across Northern Ireland

At the centre of the project is a new “Report a Mosquito” form on the MosquitoNI website, allowing members of the public to upload sightings and photographs of mosquitoes found anywhere in Northern Ireland.

Researchers say public involvement is crucial to widening the geographic reach of their study and helping identify areas that may otherwise go unmonitored.

The website also provides guidance on how to identify mosquitoes, how best to photograph them, and background information on the wider research programme.

By encouraging residents to report sightings, the team hopes to build a clearer picture of mosquito distribution across towns, rural areas, wetlands and urban environments throughout NI.

Four-year Queen’s-led study backed by major research funding

The project is being led by Queen’s University Belfast as part of a four-year programme funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).

Co-leads on the study include researchers from University of Glasgow and the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology.

The study will investigate not only which mosquito species are currently present in Northern Ireland, but also the viruses they may carry and how future climate conditions could alter risks in the years ahead.

Researchers say this longer-term work is particularly important as warming temperatures and environmental change may create more favourable conditions for species traditionally associated with warmer regions.

Around 20 mosquito species already identified

Dr Ross Cuthbert from the School of Biological Sciences at Queen’s University Belfast said the project is challenging long-held assumptions about mosquitoes in Northern Ireland.

He said:

“This project aims to challenge the narrative that mosquitoes do not exist in Northern Ireland, with risks shifting as climate changes and species invade from more tropical regions.

“Mosquitoes are generally overlooked here, and in many other temperate areas worldwide. The cooler climate on the island of Ireland has been traditionally thought to limit mosquito abundance and stifle disease risk. However, previous research at Queen’s found surprisingly high numbers of mosquitoes across Northern Ireland.

“Last year, thousands of mosquitoes were collected in specialised traps set around various wetlands and urban sites where mosquitoes breed. So far, around 20 different species have been found across the island of Ireland.”

The findings mark a notable development for Northern Ireland, where mosquitoes have often been regarded as relatively uncommon compared with other regions.

The discovery of thousands of specimens and around 20 species suggests a far broader presence than many may expect.

Human-biting species found in Northern Ireland

Researchers say previous fieldwork has already identified species known elsewhere in the world to transmit diseases of concern.

Although no mosquito-borne diseases have yet been found in Ireland, the presence of these species has prompted a closer look at potential risks.

Queen’s PhD student Ryan Carmichael said:

“Last year, we identified numerous mosquito species present in Northern Ireland, including evidence of the presence of human-biting species. This year, we intend to continue mosquito surveillance to build our understanding of mosquito vector ecology, and gain insights into whether mosquitoes here are currently carrying diseases.”

This year’s surveillance work will build on the trapping programme already carried out at wetland and urban breeding sites.

Climate change and global health risks driving concern

Globally, vector-borne diseases account for more than 700,000 human deaths every year, with mosquitoes responsible for the greatest burden.

Researchers say the global threat is closely linked to environmental degradation, including urbanisation, agricultural intensification and climate change.

These factors are changing the distribution, abundance and activity patterns of mosquito species and the viruses they may carry.

The Queen’s-led study will examine how future climate conditions could influence those risks in Northern Ireland, particularly if invasive species begin to establish themselves more widely.

Public support needed to close blind spots

The research team says public reports will be essential in filling crucial data gaps across Northern Ireland.

By submitting sightings and photographs, residents can help researchers pinpoint potential hotspot areas, better understand how species are distributed, and improve local scientific knowledge.

The team believes this public-facing approach will significantly improve geographic coverage beyond the areas already monitored through specialist trapping.

More information on the project and how to take part is available through the MosquitoNI website at www.mosquitoni.com.

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At a glance:

• Queen’s University Belfast has launched Northern Ireland’s first public mosquito reporting system

• The public is being asked to submit sightings through a new online “Report a Mosquito” form

• The four-year project will study mosquito species in NI and whether they carry viruses

• Around 20 species have already been identified across the island of Ireland

• Researchers say climate change and invasive species could alter future disease risks

• No mosquito-borne diseases have been detected in Ireland to date

• The team is seeking public help to identify hotspots and close geographic blind spots