Cover up: the mozzies are near

ANYONE hoping to spark up the barbie this week should be smothering themselves in insect repellent as the rain build-up in recent weeks has created ideal mosquito breeding conditions.

Wildlife expert and RTÉ personality, Eanna Ni Lamhna said stagnant rainwater should be emptied out of flower pots and garden containers so the pests can’t lay eggs.

Contrary to popular opinion, there are mosquitoes in Ireland — we can, in fact, lay claim to 20 different species.