Researchers from Queen's University Belfast have begun a four-year study called MosquitoNI to document mosquito populations across Northern Ireland. The project asks the public to report sightings via a website form.

The initiative follows reports of frequent bites in Ballykelly, County Londonderry. Residents there have faced issues with the insects over the past four summers. Clare Smyth from Ballykelly said her daughters Dakota and Kaleea suffered many bites that needed antibiotics. The family stopped visiting Ballykelly forest due to the problem.

Dr Ross Cuthbert from Queen's University Belfast stated the research aims to assess risks from mosquitoes. He noted previous work found high numbers of the insects at wetlands and urban sites. Around 20 species exist on the island of Ireland, including some that carry diseases elsewhere.

PhD student Ryan Carmichael said the study will check if local mosquitoes carry diseases. The project partners with the University of Glasgow and the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology.

Culiseta annulata, a banded mosquito species, is thought responsible for bites in Ballykelly in recent years. In 2024, hundreds of locals shared experiences on social media.