MOSQUITOES CAPABLE of biting through both the day and night may have already arrived in Ireland - and there could be serious consequences for all concerned.
Images uploaded to social media appear to offer proof that the aggressive Asian Tiger mosquito has found it'sway on the Emerald Isle.
And there could be grave consequences for the people of Ireland, with this type of insect has been known to transmit deadly diseases like the Chikungunya virus.
Asian Tiger mosquito eggs were found for the first time in the UK back in 2017, meaning it's highly likely that they have already arrived, to some extent, on Irish shores.
Known for its black and white striped abdomen and legs, the Tiger is different to other types of mosquitos in that it bites throughout the day as opposed to only in the evening times.
Worse still, it has been known to carry diseases like Dengue Fever and has already been linked to outbreaks of the Chikungunya virus in Italy and France.
Spread through the transport of goods, this type of mosquito was first discovered in the UK at a service station in Kent just last September.
Clive Boase, a consultant for the British Pest Control Association, told Gloucester Live that the discovery is "extremely unlikely" to be a one-off event.
"If some of the mosquitoes escaped treatment, survived and dispersed - and I'd say there's a 50-50 chance - they could breed before they're spotted," he said.
"But even if that issue has been resolved, there are bound to be other introductions sooner or later."
Though mosquito bites are inevitable, people are being urged to empty any buckets, paddling pools or water-filled containers to prevent an influx of the insect.
Insect repellent is also recommended along with long sleeves and a combination of air conditions and window/door screens.
