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Date Published: 03/04/2024

San Pedro del Pinatar steps up campaign to control tiger mosquitoes

With damp, warm days ahead, San Pedro is hoping to prevent the further spread of these pests

The Murcia town of San Pedro del Pinatar has launched a campaign aimed at controlling the population of tiger mosquitoes, officially known as Aedes albopictus. This species is particularly problematic due to its ability to transmit potentially serious diseases such as dengue fever, chikungunya and zika virus.

In response to the threat posed by these pests, the local government has implemented various measures to control their spread. The Department of Health, in collaboration with the concessionaire company responsible for pest control services in the area, Belmonte Higiene Ambiental, has increased the frequency of treatments aimed at eliminating both larvae and adult mosquitoes.

Of particular concern are areas where standing water can collect, such as scuppers, grates and other public spaces. These areas provide ideal conditions for mosquito larvae to develop, and therefore, special attention is being given to treating them. Additionally, parks and gardens are being disinfected to reduce the number of adult mosquitoes present.

Given that the majority of tiger mosquito outbreaks occur on private properties (approximately 80%), residents are urged to take responsibility for eliminating any potential breeding sites on their premises. This includes removing standing water from containers, properly maintaining swimming pools and regularly cleaning gutters on rooftops and balconies.

Furthermore, San Pedro is participating in an entomological network that spans the entire Region, which involves the placement of traps in strategic locations to monitor mosquito populations and detect potential outbreaks. These traps are collected and replaced every 15 days to ensure accurate data collection.

By implementing these measures, San Pedro del Pinatar hopes to effectively control the population of tiger mosquitoes and mitigate the risk of disease transmission.

With the forecast predicting plenty of damp days and rising temperatures, citizen participation is crucial in achieving this goal, and residents are encouraged to aid in the efforts by taking simple yet effective steps towards eliminating mosquito breeding sites on their properties.

In other news: Banksy and other street art legends arrive in San Pedro del Pinatar

Images: Ayuntamiento de San Pedro del Pinatar

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