Mosquitoes: how to report
Explanation of the collecting, reporting and identification of mosquitoes in the UK.
The UK Health Security Agency’s (UKHSA) mosquito reporting system collates data on the distribution of all British mosquitoes. All records are available from the National Biodiversity Network (NBN) Gateway for research and public use.
Why we collect mosquitoes
We collect, combine and enhance existing data on the distribution of all British mosquitoes to fill the gaps in our current understanding of mosquito distributions and encourage the sharing of up-to-date distribution data.
This will improve our understanding of the public health risk posed by mosquitoes and mosquito-borne infections.
We do not currently test mosquitoes for any pathogens they may carry.
The reporting system aims to:
- promote the surveillance of mosquitoes in the UK
- understand the impact that mosquitoes and their bites have on people
- detect exotic mosquito species
Individuals and groups are invited to help in the development of the database on mosquito distributions. This can be done by submitting a photograph or by sending in any mosquitoes collected, along with details of:
- date of collection
- specific location (such as grid reference or What3Words)
- general location (nearest town or village)
- local habitat (such as woodland or pasture)
- contact details of the individual sending in the sample
Report a mosquito
UKHSA relies upon members of the public, entomologists, researchers, ecology consultants, wildlife groups and others to submit mosquitoes to the scheme.
You can report a mosquito through our online form.
Sending mosquitoes to us
You can also complete the and send it along with any mosquitoes collected to the address at the bottom of the page.
How to send mosquitoes
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If you collect more than one mosquito from different habitats or locations, they should be placed in separate labelled containers.
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If you collect more than one mosquito from the same habitat on the same day, they can be sent in one container.
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Live mosquitoes should be placed in a container and put in the freezer for 10 minutes in order to kill them.
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The mosquitoes should then be sent as soon as possible to the address below, together with the completed reporting form.
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Send any mosquitoes collected in a crush-proof, plastic container (like an old camera film case, or, alternatively, plastic vials can be supplied on request to the address or email below).
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All specimens sent will be identified and we will reply by email.
Please send mosquitoes to:
Mosquito Recording Scheme
Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology
UK Health Security Agency
Porton Down
Salisbury
SP4 0JG
Email mosquito@ukhsa.gov.uk
Updates to this page
Last updated 5 August 2024 + show all updates
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Digitised the reporting form and updated branding to UKHSA.
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First published.