ABSTRACT
This chapter explores attitudes towards mosquitoes in the UK based on an analysis of interviews with 56 people (farmers, reserve managers, volunteers, walkers, bird-watchers and other recreational wetland users and local residents) at three wetland sites in England. The study finds that people can and do coexist with mosquitoes in disease-free contexts; they are appreciated as part of the wider wetland ecosystem; and whilst sometimes the insects are a considerable nuisance, the only real concern is whether they may bring diseases in the future. These attitudes can be considered not only in relation to the future of mosquitoes and their management in Britain and other countries not widely inflicted with mosquito-borne disease, but also the future of wetland management, and the balance between the multiple benefits provided by these ecosystems with the possible challenges that may or may not materialize in the future.
