Date Published: 13/05/2021
ARCHIVED - Tiger mosquito spraying begins in Murcia as the weather warms up
ARCHIVED ARTICLE
Torre Pacheco uses bio-larvicides as the recent rainfall increases the threat of the Asian invader
The arrival of warmer weather in the Region of Murcia has been especially welcome this month after the very changeable conditions earlier in the spring, but at the same time the summer heat and the abundant rainfall during March and April mean that large numbers of mosquitos are to be expected.
In recent years the nuisance of mosquitos has been compounded by the spread of the tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), a native of India and south-eastern Asia which has taken up residence in Mediterranean coastal areas of Spain. Every year campaigns are launched by regional governments and local councils to control localised populations of the insect but there is no major initiative at national level, and as its eggs are able to survive winter cold and freezing temperatures the species will most likely disperse still further.
The tiger mosquito can carry more than 20 exotic diseases, including West Nile fever, dengue fever, yellow fever, chikungunya and two types of encephalitis, and is strikingly distinct from other mosquitos due to its distinctive black and white striped markings. This mosquito is particularly bothersome as it feeds during the day, and as daytime temperatures rise into the high twenties and low thirties the regional government of Murcia has launched a campaign to raise public awareness of measures which can be taken to limit the breeding of the tiger mosquito, principally by avoiding the accumulation of stagnant water in outdoor areas.
It is almost impossible to completely eradicate the species but the population can be held in check by simple steps such as the following:
- Avoid leaving excess water standing in saucers after watering pot plants or put fine sand in the saucers to prevent eggs being laid.
- Flush water through drains at least once a week.
- Constantly empty, wash and re-fill pets’ drinking bowls or animal water troughs.
- Check sagging drains, guttering, pipes or locations in which water could collect.
- Avoid leaving stagnant water of any sort in the garden as it is a breeding ground, so check tyres lying outside which could contain water after a storm (the mosquito is believed to have arrived in the US inside tyres), pots, wheelbarrows and other containers, as even the smallest can be an attractive breeding ground for this and other types of mosquito.
- Empty unused swimming pools, ponds, and buckets.
At the same time, spraying has already begun on public land in municipalities such as Torre Pacheco, employing larvicides in natural flood channels (ramblas), riverbeds and other areas where water accumulates. This campaign is programmed to last throughout the summer until October, and the substances used are biological and are in no way harmful to flora and other fauna.
Simple prevention advice
There are various Ovitraps available for the control of Tiger Mosquitos, which simulate the breeding grounds chosen by the mosquito.
Tiger Mosquitos are attracted to dark clothing, perspiration, carbon dioxide and other odours.
Wear light coloured clothing which covers as much of the body as possible if visiting an area with a large population of mosquitos.
Install mosquito netting to minimise the risk of being bitten.