The first mosquito peak will come early this year because of recent high temperatures, Wageningen University experts warned on mosquito monitoring site Muggenradar.nl.

An increase in reports on the site, which registers the extent to which people experience nuisance from bites, means lots of mosquitoes are already in action, biologist Arnold van Vliet told NU.nl.

May 21 and May 22, when temperatures soared to over 25 degrees, were particularly busy. ‘On the basis of temperature developments and weather forecasts we conclude that the first mosquito peak will take place at the beginning of June. That is relatively early. Fifty years ago the first peak only came at the end of that month,’ Van Vliet said.

It is unclear as yet if there will more or fewer mosquitoes this year. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, which collects in water barrels, gutters and other containers around the house but many of these are now dry because of the extreme drought.

Nevertheless, Van Vliet warned people to get rid of any accumulated water after last Sunday’s showers before mosquitoes have had a chance to deposit their eggs.