Mosquito Numbers Fall by 24% Across Alicante This Summer

Mosquito complaints across Alicante have decreased significantly this summer, with soaring temperatures, arid conditions, and enhanced pest-control measures contributing to the reduction in numbers. Last mid-August, the Mancomunidad de l’Alacantí, the regional body in charge of mosquito control, received 153 complaints. In contrast, the same timeframe this year saw 117 complaints—an 24% decline.

Officials attributed the decrease to the effectiveness of the summer upkeep campaign and planned treatments. Yet, they cautioned that the mosquito season had not concluded and ongoing vigilance was required. Urbanova, a coastal neighborhood south of Alicante city, was an outlier. Reports from residents and businesses revealed a substantial increase in mosquitoes in July.

The area's wetland attributes fostered suitable breeding grounds, with mosquitoes being particularly active during late afternoons and evenings. Pest-control units routinely inspected storm drains, parks, and other potential water accumulation sites. Treatments occur monthly in urban areas and more frequently in flood-prone zones.

From April to October, higher-risk areas are monitored weekly. This ongoing program has been especially effective against the tiger mosquito, the species most frequently encountered in urban settings. Rubén Bueno, the technical director of pest-control firm Lokímica, reported that overall mosquito populations had generally decreased along the Mediterranean coast, especially among tiger mosquitoes.

Heavy rainfall at the end of winter and the beginning of spring initially sparked concerns of a major outbreak. However, emergency treatments were deployed swiftly and were followed by a hot, dry summer. While sporadic showers created temporary breeding grounds, subsequent heatwaves led to standing water evaporating rapidly. This prevented numerous mosquito larvae from maturing.

Bueno explained that "extreme heat is detrimental to almost everything, but it is advantageous in cases such as this." Other mosquito species found near irrigated farmland have maintained similar levels. Nevertheless, tiger mosquito populations have dropped across Alicante and other Mediterranean regions, including Catalonia, Andalusia, and Murcia.

Control efforts have centered on treating small volumes of water retained beneath storm-drain grates. Larvicides are used to eliminate mosquitoes in their juvenile aquatic stage, before they can develop into flying adults. Drones and helicopters are employed to monitor and treat larger or difficult-to-access areas. Timeliness is crucial, as mosquito larvae can mature into adults in less than seven days.

Experts, however, cautioned that rainfall combined with ongoing warm temperatures could lead to further outbreaks in late August and the first half of September. Santos Rojo, Professor of Entomology at the University of Alicante, attributed the lower number of bites to dry weather and innovative control methods, including programs that sterilize male mosquitoes.

He cautioned against prematurely declaring victory. "It is still hot and it will rain again, so further outbreaks are possible," he said, urging authorities to maintain monitoring and treatment programs despite the reduction in complaints.