A 'Mosquito Court' has been scheduled for the end of August to deal with the Island's most insistent breeders, The Royal Gazette has learned.

Government Pest Control Supervisor David Kendell said 13 people will be brought before a special sitting of Magistrates' Court on August 29 for refusing to comply with efforts to control the mosquito population and protect the Island from sometimes deadly pest-borne diseases like Dengue Fever and West Nile Virus.

"These people have been warned numerous times," Mr. Kendell said yesterday.

Pest control officers first warned householders that allowing mosquitoes to breed was an offence which could land them in court with the kick-off of the 'Fight the Bite' campaign in 2000.

The campaign was initiated after dengue fever-carrying mosquitoes made a return to the Island following a 40-year absence.

The mosquito (Aedes aegypti) is believed to have returned the Island in shipments of terracotta pots from China, Vietnam, Malaysia or Mexico.

Almost 15,000 households were visited by the health inspectors and 1500 cautions were issued as well as 200 more formal warnings.

These 13 offenders to appear in court at the end of the month face fines of $168 to $420.

The news that another Bermuda mosquito has been proved to be an efficient transmitter of West Nile virus, health officials are stepping up their campaign to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds - containers holding stagnant water including flower pots and old tires.

"Most people try to be compliant," Mr. Kendall said. "But others have persistently refused."