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A monstrous invasion of mosquitoes is causing misery as the insects launch blood-sucking attacks across the kingdom, indulging in a feeding frenzy as the sun sets before many find shelter in homes for late night feasts on sleeping families.
Hotels and clubs have been spraying grounds in a bid to get rid of the pests which appear to have thrived as a result of recent rains leaving patches of still and stagnant water as the temperature starts to heat up.
Social media has been ablaze with reports with one popular Instagram influencer suggesting the ‘little draculas are taking over the kingdom’ and a mosquito extermination exercise at Bahrain Rugby Football Club has amassed thousands of views.
Rugby club general manager Derek McKenzie said: “We had to take action as the mosquitoes were simply too many. We had to take responsibility and control them until the weather comes to our rescue and dries up the lying water around Bahrain.
“We use a simple fogging early in the morning when the mosquitoes are nesting, which tends to be an ideal time to eliminate as many as possible. This will continue for another two weeks.”
The chemical used is called Deltamethrin. It is an insecticide belonging to the pyrethroid family, man-made versions of pyrethrins – natural insecticides from chrysanthemum flowers.
Many have spotted the plumes during the fumigation exercise but it’s ‘harmless, unless you are a mosquito’, added Derek.
“We concentrate around the surroundings of the club and the edges of the pitches, which also has a benefit of stopping other insects getting into the grass,” he said.
“I think this is one of the worst mosquito problems Bahrain has seen for a long time so you will see the hotels and resorts taking similar action to help alleviate the situation.
“I’ve seen this many times during my travels, both in Egypt and Thailand, where they were often troublesome near lying water, so we took the same action. Personally, I have a tub of Tiger Balm at hand as either a prevention or to take the sting out of the bites!”
Home remedies also include applying ice, honey, or Aloe Vera to reduce irritation.
The recent wet spell weather with standing water followed by a warm spell has provided perfect conditions for the pests as they love damp, warm and safe havens. Mosquitoes also thrive in warm weather. As the temperature begins to rise again, the mosquito volume increases accordingly.
Evidence also shows that some people attract mosquitoes at a higher rate than others but in the end, all are at risk. At the least, mosquitoes and their bites can be annoying, causing seemingly endless itching. At worst, mosquitoes can be deadly purveyors of dangerous diseases such as malaria.
Fortunately, malaria was eradicated in Bahrain about 20 years ago, therefore all residents have to worry about is the itching and a red rash caused by the skin piercing after the saliva of the mosquito is transmitted.
Females of most species have tube-like mouthparts – called a proboscis – which can pierce the skin in order to extract blood, which contains protein and iron needed to produce eggs.
Mosquitoes attack because of sight and smell signifiers, according to expert Jonathan Day, a university professor of medical entomology. “Mosquitoes are highly visual, especially later in the afternoon, and their first mode of search for humans is through vision,” he said.
If you wear red, navy blue, or black, you are advertising yourself as a tasty target, it has been suggested. Next, the mosquito zeroes in on smell. The more carbon dioxide you expel, the more appealing you are to the mosquitoes looking to use your blood as their own fertility booster.
Mosquitoes are more attracted to people with higher metabolic rates, as well as to larger people and pregnant women, according to the professor, because they all expel more carbon dioxide. He further points out that lactic acid given off while exercising, acetone – a chemical released in your breath, plus estradiol – a breakdown product of estrogen - can all be released at varying concentrations and lure in mosquitoes.
Most mosquito bites occur early in the evening, but they can also occur throughout the night. That’s why it’s important to keep mosquitoes out of your home. If one gets inside, it will likely bite repeatedly throughout the night simply because there aren’t other targets.
Once a mosquito gains entry into a home or building, they are protected from dehydration and more likely to fly around for many more hours than they normally would. They stay active longer because of the temperature and light controls in the home.
Rugby Club chairman Mike Cunningham added: “The late rain combined with the warm weather should be welcome at the rugby club, as it will be great for our playing surfaces. Unfortunately it’s also bringing an unwelcome plague of mosquitoes, making it very uncomfortable for members enjoying the cool evenings or the last few training sessions of the summer.
“Our management team responded quickly and brought in the experts during the week. This improved the mosquito situation and made sure our DHL Express Memorial Weekend wasn’t spoiled by the uninvited guests.
“Former members from as far away as Hong Kong, working with a well-known pest control firm, have been in touch offering support and advice on the unusual situation.”
