article_snippet: Dr Ian Bedford, the expert who first identified the species three years ago, warned that it is likely to thrive after two very mild winters.
article_snippet: But the intervening two winters have been much warmer, particularly in southern England which has barely seen any snow in 24 months.
article_snippet: The average temperature in England for December, January and February this year was 4.4C (39.9F), and the year before was even warmer at 5.8C (42.4F).
article_snippet: The average English winter temperature is 4.2C (39.6F).
article_snippet: They tend to overwinter in sheltered spots so are protected from the worst of the weather.
highlights_snippet: A succession of mild winters has left Britain at risk of an infestation .