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The town of Alhama de Murcia is carrying out a fresh round of fumigation this weekend as part of its ongoing effort to combat mosquitoes, including the invasive and potentially harmful tiger mosquito.

 

The latest treatment is scheduled to begin at 3am on Saturday 9 August and will focus on green areas and surrounding spaces across the municipality. Residents are advised to stay clear of these areas while the work is taking place.

 

The treatment, which involves mist-spraying both vegetation and nearby open spaces, will be carried out by specialist contractors. It forms part of a wider pest control campaign launched in April, which runs until December 2025. The aim is to reduce the presence of mosquitoes during the warmer months, especially following wet weather when breeding sites are more likely to appear.

 

Alhama’s councillor for the environment, Antonio Espinosa, reminded residents that although the council regularly sprays public spaces, support from the public is key to keeping mosquito numbers down.

 

“We urge everyone to take simple precautions at home to help prevent mosquitoes from breeding,” he said.

 

Common breeding grounds include standing water in flowerpots, buckets, fountains, pet bowls, tyres and garden toys. Council advice includes turning over or covering containers, changing water frequently, cleaning roof gutters and using mosquito nets or chlorine in ponds and pools.

 

The tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is smaller than other species and has distinctive white stripes on its dark body. First detected in Spain in 2004, it reached Alhama in 2014. Although not native, it has adapted well and is now found across the Region of Murcia.

 

Unlike other mosquitoes, tiger mosquitoes are active during the day, fly low to the ground and are harder to spot. Only the females bite, and while the bites are mostly just a nuisance, the species is known to be capable of transmitting viral diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, Zika and yellow fever in some regions.

 

More information and tips on prevention are available through Alhama Council's environmental department.

 

 

Images: Ayuntamiento de Alhama