You don’t need to dress like a beekeeper. A good repellent with DEET or citronella is your best friend. I swear by the stuff that smells vaguely of a 1980s camping trip—it works a treat. Also, citronella candles are fine, but they mostly just make your garden smell like a novelty shop.
Another trick: keep a fan on you. Mosquitoes are rubbish at flying in a breeze. So if you’re sitting outside, point a little desk fan at your face. You’ll look slightly mad, but you’ll be itch-free. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter. “Is that a fan? Yes, I’m fighting a war against tiny vampires.”
The final, itchy truth
So, do we get mosquitoes in the UK? Yes. Are they the stuff of nightmares? No. They’re more like annoying houseguests that show up after a bit of rain and refuse to leave until you’ve sacrificed a bit of skin. They’re a rite of passage for any British summer—right up there with complaining about the heat and finding a wasp in your lemonade.
Next time you hear that tell-tale buzz, just nod, wave a hand, and remember: at least it’s not a crocodile. And if you do get bitten, just scratch it, say “typical British summer,” and move on with your life. It’s practically a national sport.
