International trade in used tyres threatens to give disease-spreading mosquitoes a foothold in Britain. Mosquitoes like the Asian tiger mosquito lay their eggs in piles of tyres awaiting shipment to other countries for recycling. The tiger mosquito, which can carry dengue and West Nile virus, has spread from Asia to New Zealand, Africa, North and South America, and most recently to Europe. The expansion mirrors the huge growth in the used-tyre industry, says Keith Snow, an environmental scientist at the University of East London. He is calling for a national register of British companies involved in the business so that…
To continue reading, today with our introductory offers
Advertisement
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features

Mind
The relationship recession is even bigger for Gen Z than we thought
News

Technology
Killer robots are here – we must finally decide whether to accept them
Leader

Technology
Quantum computer quickly mines cryptocurrency while using less energy
News

Mind
How to sparkle in conversation with strangers
Comment
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles
1
Fully autonomous drones have killed human soldiers for the first time
2
Understanding anorexia’s grip on the brain could unlock new therapies
3
How to sparkle in conversation with strangers
4
Alice Roberts: The forgotten origins of the human body
5
The relationship recession is even bigger for Gen Z than we thought
6
First working nuclear clock heralds a new era in timekeeping
7
What really happened when ancient humans migrated out of Africa
8
What is a ‘normal’ memory slowdown, and when should I worry?
9
Mysterious ‘cold blob’ in the Atlantic suggests the AMOC is weakening
10
Unpicking the genetics of fibromyalgia sheds new light on its causes