Experts have issued a warning over a possible mosquito infestation in the UK this summer.
The hot and humid conditions, combined with the outbreak of coronavirus, have lead experts to believe disease-carrying mosquitoes could be on the rise in the country.
The pandemic has lead to fears there could be an increase in the potentially deadly insects.
This is due to areas such as some swimming pools not being properly cleaned or maintained during lockdown, as mosquitoes thrive in warm, moist conditions.
The warning follows as Spain reported the arrival of a new mosquito - the Asian Tiger - which can carry 23 different types of disease, as reported by the Daily Star.
As well as malaria, mosquitoes can also transmit the zika virus - which can harm the development of unborn babies.
Mosquito expert Howard Carter, said: "I have seen the zika ones myself north of Chichester in West Sussex. And I am aware of sightings on the Kent coast.
"They are not here in any great, great numbers yet but in my view, it is only a matter of time."
Mr Carter added: "A lot of mosquitoes zero in on the ears, wrists and ankles where the skin is thinner and blood vessels are nearer the surface."
The new mosquito found in Spain, called aedes japonicus, was originally found in Japan, Korea, China and Russia.
They have been linked to the spread of dengue fever, chikungunya and West Nile viruses.
It is believed the insect arrived in Spain through the trading of used tyres from east Asia.
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In May, it was reported Britain could be invaded by Asian tiger mosquitoes as the weather heats up.
It was claimed tiger mosquitoes have moved north across France, with more than half of the country under threat from the deadly insects.
The many empty swimming pools left uncleaned due to the Covid-19 pandemic have become fertile breeding ground for mosquitoes, which thrive in warm, moist air.
